Local Women Leaders Fill Security Gap Nigerian Insurgencies Left Open

Women-led civil society groups in northeastern Nigeria are intercepting youth recruitment to armed factions through early warning networks and economic support—work UN agencies cannot do due to security constraints. Organizations like Ngulde Global Foundation operate where international bodies cannot access. Their embeddedness in local communities gives them traction with families and youth deciding whether armed groups offer viable futures. This localized protection infrastructure, sustained through the Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund, faces constant physical risk and uncertain long-term funding.