Peter Samuel The growing wave of rape cases, abuse, and rejection in Nigeria and Africa, has given rise to a social impact movement committed to sensitizing society, aiding healing, and helping people deal with the ugly phenomenon. A group, Project R.A.R.E Initiative, began in 2022 as a vision driven by passion, initiated by three young women who convened weekly meetings exclusively for females every Sunday. Over the course of a year, the circle steadily grew from three members to a thriving group of 20 women. In July 2023, the initiative hosted its first major program under the banner of R.A.R.E 1.0. Unlike the initial gatherings, the event was inclusive and not gender-specific, attracting an impressive audience of over 300 participants. Through the program, Project R.A.R.E successfully established a vibrant community of more than 400 young people. Beyond community building, the initiative has directly impacted lives by supporting over 10 women through access to therapy, mentorship, and business empowerment opportunities—equipping them with tools for healing, resilience, and growth. Despite the growing discourse on mental health and harmful cultural practices in Nigeria and across Africa, many survivors of rape, abuse, and rejection still endure their pain in silence—constrained by stigma, misinformation, and inadequate support systems. Childhood trauma, in particular, is often overlooked, leaving lasting scars that undermine personal development, academic progress, and societal stability, especially among young people. Some of the survivors of the menace who spoke with HSA, narrated their ordeals and how project R.A.R.E initiative has helped in transforming their lives by giving them the opportunity to get healing in all ramifications and be fully reintegrated into the fabrics of the society. ” I was abused by my older cousin at age 6-7, even though I didn’t know what that was then,” a survivor of rape from Abia State, Nigeria, who pleaded anonymity narrated. She said, “I just knew it was painful and he threatened me not to tell anyone. When I was eight years old I travelled with my dad and sister to Nigeria, the same thing happened with one of my relatives. Growing up as a child was a lot difficult for me. Having to deal with seeing that my parents barely act like a couple , and also not having a relationship with my mom cost me a whole lot. The ordeal continued in her aunt’s husband’s house. She said , “I always wondered why they kept doing this even when it was painful, but I still didn’t say a thing to anyone. And when I turned 10, I was brought to stay with an aunt of mine whose husband also abused me. At this point, I knew what it was but who do I tell? My mom? “Oh I heard of their plan to divorce and I was filled with bitterness. Lots of other things stirred up bitterness in my life but this part was where R.A.R.E came in. I cried the nights he would come to my room to do the things he did. I wondered how to open up. I got too scared that my speaking out would cost my aunt her marriage and make it become like that of my parents. “One day, I recorded a confession on my aunt’s phone which she eventually played. She called and questioned me. I told her everything. She begged that I stay quiet to save her marriage and that she will talk to her husband but did she talk to him? Yes. Did he stop? No. “I always felt very scared as it approaches evening every day. I would make sure to finish every activity and pretend to be asleep before he comes back. This continued for five years. I wrote JAMB and passed in one sitting but didn’t gain admission into my desired school (which I don’t really regret now) because I was desperate to leave that house so I put another university and accepted whatever course they gave me to study. “And that is how I found miss Kosi. She introduced me to R.A.R.E. She helped me, prayed with me and even paid a therapy session for me. She volunteered to be my accountability partner, because at this point my sexual urge was just too high and I kept masturbating. “And right now there is really a big difference between who I was before I met her and who I am now; in knowledge, spirituality, diligence and all. I am actually very proud to have her in my life as a mentor. And even though I am still in the healing process, I know there is growth and difference.”
Another survivor from Imo State who also pleaded anonymity appreciated project R.A.R.E. for intervening in her situation. She said, “It is fascinating to know how efforts have been put in place to change victim’s perceptions towards having a beautiful life even though they have been raped, abused, molested. “Everything started in my 200 level, where I was able to identify and speak up on what made me shy away from opportunities because of insecurity and lack of trust. R.A.R.E has been a source of support to young people out there, and I am proud to say I stand with the initiative.” In an interactive session with HSA, the founder of the Initiative, Glory Chuks Amacha K. said that research indicates that more than 70% of young people have experienced some forms of rape, abuse, or the effects of broken homes and family separation. She said, “These experiences have profound consequences on their mental health, education, career prospects, and overall quality of life. Left unaddressed, the growing crisis poses serious risks to the stability of universities, the strength of families and future families, and the health of the society at large. “Project R.A.R.E seeks to address this urgent need through therapy, counselling, mentorship, and empowerment initiatives. Our vision is to create a society where survivors of rape, abuse, and rejection can heal, access adequate support, and be empowered to thrive as whole individuals, contributing positively to humanity. “Our mission is to sensitize society, promote preventive measures, and provide healing pathways for survivors. We do this by: building safe spaces and communities that advocate against R.A.R.E. issues, partnering counselling and therapy organizations to provide mental health support, equipping individuals, particularly women and young people, with tools such as self-defence, self-awareness, and empowerment skills.” She said that since inception, R.A.R.E Project has recorded notable successes but not limited to five awareness campaigns conducted across Ebonyi State, particularly among Ikwo indigenes and students of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (FUNAI), four survivors supported through therapy and empowerment programs, with outcomes including successful business ownership and stable family life. “Others include: over eight cases reported to the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Community in Abakaliki and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) AE-FUNAI and growing a community of young advocates actively engaged in sensitization, prevention, and healing.” On its next line of action, the founder of the initiative, said “what we intend to do next in 2025 and beyond is to scale up our reach and deepen our impact through: community expansion: building a network of over 1,000 young advocates across Nigeria and Africa, championing the fight against R.A.R.E issues. “Counselling and therapy access: Collaborating with therapy organizations to ensure 50 survivors benefit from structured counselling and mental health sessions before the end of 2025.” She said others are self-defence and empowerment training and sustainable advocacy across Africa and beyond. On the health impact of Project R.A.R.E, Glory Chuks Amacha K explained that the initiative has delivered measurable improvements in the physiological, psychological, and psychosocial health of survivors of rape, abuse, and rejection. She added that: “R.A.R.E’s interventions have gone beyond awareness to produce lasting changes in survivors’ lives, as highlighted below: Physiological Health Survivors who engaged in therapy and mentorship have experienced a decline in stress-related health issues such as insomnia, migraines, and loss of appetite. By providing safe spaces for expression and counselling, the project has reduced the risk of chronic illnesses often linked to trauma. Psychological Health Therapy and counselling have led to reduced depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms among survivors. Several beneficiaries have achieved healing from addictions (including masturbation and pornography) by gaining healthier outlets for managing trauma. Survivors consistently report improved confidence, self-worth, and emotional stability. Psychosocial Health Survivors integrated into the R.A.R.E community have found peer support systems that reduce isolation and stigma. Empowerment initiatives (business training, self-defence, mentorship) have promoted economic independence and social reintegration. Participants now demonstrate healthier interpersonal relationships, contributing positively to family and community life. Academic and Career Performance Students within the R.A.R.E community have shown notable improvements in academic focus and performance, attributed to relief from trauma burdens and the encouragement received during mentorship programs. Survivors supported through therapy and counselling have been able to return to school, complete programs, or pursue careers with renewed determination and hope for a better tomorrow. Project R.A.R.E’s work has enabled survivors to reclaim their health, heal from deep-seated trauma, overcome destructive coping mechanisms, and excel in both academic and social sphere by restoring dignity and equipping survivors with tools for resilience. The initiative is not only transforming individual lives but also contributing to the stability and productivity of the Nigerian society and Africa at large.
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