ABOUT US – GERI
Working at the intersection of gender and the environment
Gender and Environmental Risk Reduction Initiative (GERI)
GERI was founded in 2010 and is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of Nigeria as a non-political, non-profit making and non-governmental organization. In the recent past decades, man has been faced with a rapidly deteriorating environment that daily draws very disturbing attention. The world today is faced with global warming and climate change, natural and man-made disasters and risks, flooding, deforestation, land misuse leading to gully erosion, solid waste disposal problems, excessive gaming, and marine and atmospheric pollution. The importance of the environment to the sustainable development of individuals, communities and nations is enormous.It provides the resources for physical, economic, and social development, with attendant gender dimensions. Increasing evidence reveals that there is a strong linkage between the natural environment and the livelihoods of people, especially the poor men and women, and other vulnerable groups.
Currently, this issue of global environmental change and accompanying disasters has drawn more attention than in the past. Informed by the depth of environmental problems and deplorable livelihood conditions of men and women, GERI is set out to help build resilience and facilitate the reduction of risk resulting from environmental change and associated problems on the livelihoods of especially women, youths, and children in Nigeria and Africa.
Against this background, GERI has been involved in rapid emergency humanitarian response aimed at bringing relief to displaced persons as a result of natural and or man-made disasters. This has witnessed the implementation of both self and development partner-funded projects, which we have implemented through our humanitarian thematic areas.
Our Goal
“Our work is guided by a single, clear vision: a Nigeria and Africa where every person, regardless of gender or age has the capacity to adapt to environmental change and secure a sustainable livelihood.”
Mrs Elizabeth Jeiyol, Founder of GERI
Vision
A sustainable future where all Nigerians and Africans, regardless of gender, are empowered to adapt to and thrive in a changing and evolving environment, fostering equitable and resilient communities.
Mission
To champion environmental sustainability through gender-inclusive initiatives that promote harmony between people, the environment, and sustainable development. We work to enhance the capacity of men and women to address environmental challenges while advancing equity, resilience, and growth across Nigeria and Africa.
The principles that guide us
Every programme, partnership, and staff interaction at GERI is shaped by seven core values that reflect our commitment to the communities we serve.
Our Objectives
Reduce community-level environmental risk.
Create strategic opportunities that facilitate the reduction of environmental risk to households and communities, safeguarding their livelihoods.
01
Build credibility for risk reduction tools.
Generate national, regional, and international recognition for evidence-based risk reduction approaches, measurement tools, and best practices.
02
Strengthen early warning communication.
Improve communication on risk reduction, including assessment, community monitoring, and early warning systems.
03
Build resilience across rural and urban communities.
Facilitate reduction of all forms of environmental and socioeconomic disaster risk by strengthening the adaptive capacity of both rural and urban households.
04
Promote information access and community wellbeing.
Support information dissemination, sport, and community-led entertainment as tools for social cohesion and resilience.
05
Champion education, rights, and gender equality.
Promote education, peace, human rights, children’s rights, and gender equality through advocacy, training, and partnerships.
06
Our primary target groups.
GERI designs programmes with and for the groups most exposed to environmental risk and most excluded from mainstream development processes.
Women & girls
The primary focus of our gender equity programming
Rural communities
Smallholder farmers, rural households in Benue State
Children & youth
Climate education, WASH, and rights advocacy
IDPs & displaced persons
Health, WASH, and protection outreach in IDP camps