Ogechi Kalu, from Nigeria, is a doctoral candidate of social work at the University at Buffalo. Her research explores how Nigerian adolescents aged 12–17 appraise and cope with intimate partner violence (IPV), with an aim to develop manualized intervention programs tailored to their needs.
Radio session on domestic violence prevelence awareness
Ogechi is committed to breaking the cycle of violence for women and children by promoting safety, opportunity, and hope. She established a non-profit in Nigeria, Teens Think Africa Initiative, launching programs for women and girls such as an adult education school, after-school clubs for girls in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Jos, empowerment clubs in schools, and a free telecounseling platform providing mentoring and support to young girls in distress. She also co-founded three other non-profits: BBRIDGE, which hosts podcasts on domestic violence, its impact on women and children, and cultural responsiveness; Talk to Ooge, a telecounseling programs for teen victims of sexual abuse, and Endowed Women, which provide support and mentorship to women and girls. In the future, she aims to unify her work through these platforms.
India seedplanting
Ogechi’s long-term vision is to establish a trauma recovery home for women and children that goes beyond shelter – offering therapy, training, and education. She is currently partnering with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency to implement research-based solutions across Nigeria, with their support in designing questionnaires and collaborating on her dissertation.
Her mission is to empower minds with knowledge and hands with skills. Ogechi’s resilience, advocacy experience, and global collaborations position her to create lasting change.
