Project R.A.R.E. Empowers Survivors of Rape/ Abuse, Expands Advocacy Across Nigeria
By Ugo Ewa
The Rape, Abuse, and Rejection Initiative (Project R.A.R.E.), a non-governmental organisation, says it has positively impacted lives by supporting over 10 women with access to therapy, mentorship, and business empowerment, equipping them with tools for healing, resilience, and growth.
The social impact movement, dedicated to sensitization, healing, and empowerment across the South East and beyond Africa, cited research showing that more than 70% of young people have faced rape, abuse, or the effects of broken homes and family separation.
In a statement, the Founder of Project R.A.R.E., Glory Chuks Amacha K., explained that survivors’ experiences often leave deep consequences on mental health, education, careers, and overall quality of life.
“Unaddressed, this crisis threatens the stability of our universities, families, and society at large. Project R.A.R.E. seeks to fill this gap through therapy, counselling, mentorship, and empowerment initiatives,” she stated.
The law graduate, who has committed herself to improving the lives of survivors across Africa, lamented that many victims continue to suffer in silence due to stigma, misinformation, and weak support systems.
According to her, childhood trauma is particularly neglected, yet it leaves lasting scars that weaken personal growth, academic progress, and social stability, especially among youths.
She recalled that Project R.A.R.E. began in 2022 as a passion-driven vision by three young women who hosted weekly Sunday meetings for females. By July 2023, the initiative launched its first major programme, R.A.R.E. 1.0, which successfully built a vibrant community of over 400 young people.
“Our vision is to create a society where survivors of rape, abuse, and rejection can heal, receive adequate support, and thrive as empowered individuals contributing positively to humanity.
“Our mission is to sensitise society, promote preventive measures, and create healing pathways for survivors. We achieve this by building safe spaces, collaborating with therapy organisations for mental health support, and equipping women and young people with tools such as self-defence, self-awareness, and empowerment skills,” she said.
The organisation listed some achievements since its inception, including:
Five awareness campaigns across Ebonyi State, especially among Ikwo indigenes and students of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI).
Four survivors supported through therapy and empowerment, with results such as business ownership and stable family life.
Over eight cases were reported to the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) community in Abakaliki and FIDA AE-FUNAI.
Growth of a community of young advocates championing sensitisation, prevention, and healing.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Project R.A.R.E. outlined its plans to scale its impact through:
Community Expansion: Training over 1,000 young advocates across Nigeria and Africa to fight R.A.R.E. issues.
Counselling Access: Ensuring at least 50 survivors receive structured therapy and mental health sessions by the end of 2025.
Self-Defence & Empowerment: Training 200 women in self-defence and personal safety strategies.
R.A.R.E. 2.0 Campaign: A large sensitisation programme in November 2025 for 500 students, with workshops, panels, and survivor support activities.
Sustainable Advocacy: Extending operations beyond Ebonyi to other Nigerian states and eventually across Africa.
