08/03/2019

SAFE SPACE
FOR FEMALE STAFF OF
PLAN INTERNATIONAL NIGERIA

WHAT IS A

SAFE SPACE?
A Plan International Nigeria safe space is
a place where female staff feel physically,
emotionally and mentally safe.

In these spaces, they are empowered to ex-

press themselves without the fear of judg-
ment or harm in respect to their peculiar
needs and experiences within and outside the
country program, to enable the organization
respond to them appropriately, where neces-
sary.
DOES IT REFER ONLY TO

PHYSICAL
STRUCTURES?
A ‘safe space’ in this context, does not refer
to a physical space or structure, but rather a
group of women who support each other in
a comfortable atmosphere with respect and
dignity; in the absence of the fear of stigma,
backlash or indiscriminate disclosures.

WHO ARE THE

MEMBERS?
All female staff of Plan International Nigeria in
all locations, projects and/or units are encour-
aged to join.
 WHY DO

WE NEED IT?
As we champion gender equality and inclu-
sivity in the communities where we work,
it is important that it is also a lived reality
within our workplace.

Our private lives greatly impact on our public

lives.

Consequently, in Plan International Nigeria,

we recognize how patriarchy in the larger so-
ciety shapes relationship between men and
women, boys and girls even in the workplace.

The powerlessness, discrimination, exclusion

and violence against women in the larger so-
ciety sometimes manifest directly or symp-
tomatically in the workplace in various forms,
including unconscious biases, sexism, chau-
vinism, etc.

However, as much as we try to tackle these

issues through organizational policies and
principles, we believe it is necessary that our
offices offer succour to staff to cope with, as
well as challenge instances of gender inequal-
ities no matter where they may present.

How often does The activities of the safe spaces shall be

conducted through biannual meetings held

SAFE SPACE in all Plan International Nigeria offices (field

offices and country Office).

MEETINGS TAKE The spaces shall be inaugurated on 14

PLACE? March 2019.

IS HAVING A FEMALE SAFE SPACE

DISCRIMINATORY
TOWARDS MALE STAFF?
The establishment of female safe spaces is in
no way discriminatory towards men, nor does
it reinforce negative stereotypes on female
weakness.

However, given the fact that women and girls

are primarily disadvantaged by the main pat-
terns of gender inequality; steps towards
equality usually commence with providing
them redress.

But then, true equality can only be achieved

with the active participation of men and boys
who can choose:
1. To think and act in new ways;
2. To reconsider traditional perceptions of
manhood/masculinity;
3. To understand the barriers hindering wom-
en and girls from achieving their full poten-
tial; &
4. To reshape their relationships with women
and girls towards more empowering out-
comes.