A Non-Governmental Organisation known as The Rape, Abuse, and Rejection Initiative (Project R.A.R.E.) said it has directly impacted lives by supporting over 10 women through access to therapy, mentorship, and business empowerment opportunities by equipping them with tools for healing, resilience, and growth.
The social impact movement, which is committed to sensitizing society, aiding healing, and helping people across the South East and beyond the shores of Africa, pointed out 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.
Disclosing this in a statement, the Founder of the Project R.A.R.E Initiative, Glory Chuks Amacha K. noted that the experiences of the survivors had profound consequences on their mental health, education, career prospects, and overall quality of life.
“Left unaddressed, this growing crisis poses serious risks to the stability of our universities, the strength of our families and future families, and the health of society at large. Project R.A.R.E seeks to address this urgent need through therapy, counselling, mentorship, and empowerment initiatives.”
The Law graduate who has over the years developed an unquenchable passion geared towards improving the quality of life of every survivor across the African Continent and beyond, explained that “many survivors of rape, abuse, and rejection still endure their pain in silence—constrained by stigma, misinformation, and inadequate support systems.”
According to her, childhood trauma, in particular, is often overlooked, leaving lasting scars that undermine personal development, academic progress, and societal stability, especially among young people.
She noted that Project R.A.R.E initiative, which began in 2022 as a vision driven by passion, initiated by three young women who convened weekly meetings exclusively for females every Sunday, had in July 2023, hosted its first major program under the banner of R.A.R.E 1.0. and successfully established a vibrant community of more than 400 young people.
“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.
“And 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 and equipping individuals, particularly women and young people, with tools such as self-defence, self-awareness, and empowerment skills.”
She listed the achievements of the Initiative since inception to include: 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; Over eight cases reported to the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Community in Abakaliki and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) AE-FUNAI.
“Growing a community of young advocates actively engaged in sensitization, prevention, and healing.”
She further outlined what Project R.A.R.E intends to do next in 2025 and beyond to include but not limited to: scaling its reach and deepening its 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. Self-Defence and Empowerment Training: Training over 200 women on self-defence techniques and personal safety strategies.
“R.A.R.E 2.0 Campaign: Hosting a large-scale sensitization event in November 2025, targeting 500 students, featuring workshops, panel sessions, and survivor support initiatives; Sustainable Advocacy: Expanding beyond Ebonyi State into other Nigerian states, with a long-term vision of impacting communities across Africa and beyond.
“For partnerships and collaborations contact, 07085004258 or 08075759835.
Email- projectrare1@gmail.com.”