About us

Welcome to WAWA

Nigeria Chapter

The West African Women’s Association – Nigeria Chapter functions as one of the national units under the regional WAWA structure. The chapter was officially registered in Nigeria in 2009 and operates in alignment with the broader ECOWAS vision of women’s participation in sustainable development and economic integration.

Over the years, the Nigeria Chapter has focused on empowering women through outreach programs, advocacy initiatives, workshops, conferences, and direct rural intervention projects.

Recent leadership transitions have further strengthened its grassroots focus, especially in health, economic empowerment, and support for widows, single mothers, and adolescent girls.

History of WAWA

The West African Women’s Association (WAWA) is a non-governmental and non-profit regional organization established to promote women empowerment, sustainable development, and regional integration across West Africa.

WAWA was established in 1983 under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following Recommendation A/REC.1/5/83 of the Authority of Heads of State and Government. The association was created by the fifteen ECOWAS Member States to mobilize women across the region and ensure their active participation in the process of regional integration, economic development, and social advancement. It was subsequently granted the status of a specialized institution of ECOWAS.

The organization operates through National Chapters in all ECOWAS Member States, providing a unified platform for women to collaborate, advocate, and contribute to regional development. With its regional headquarters located in Dakar, Senegal, WAWA coordinates initiatives that promote empowerment, inclusion, and sustainable growth across West Africa.

WAWA Nigeria Chapter serves as the Nigerian national branch, focusing on advocacy, rural empowerment, economic inclusion, and support for vulnerable women and girls. Its activities are centered around gender advancement, women and health, women and poverty reduction, capacity building, advocacy, and community development.