Our work in Nigeria

In Nigeria, EXIST works with rehabilitation, education and partnerships to create lasting
change in the fight against human trafficking.

A strong partnership

EXIST has been working in Nigeria since 2009 in partnership with MeCAHT — a local NGO dedicated to combating human trafficking. Together, we work on education, rehabilitation and long-term solutions that empower both individuals and communities.

Our first joint project was the film EUROPE IN MY HEART, which has been shown in villages, on national TV and at conferences in Nigeria.

EUROPE IN MY HEART in 120-minute version with English voice and English subtitles

EUROPE IN MY HEART in a 17-minute version with English voiceover and Danish subtitles

Shakira's story

Hear Shakira's story about her encounter with MeCAHT and EXIST — and how it changed her life.

From violence and oppression to hope and future

Four illustrations tell the story of women moving from violence and oppression towards security, self-sufficiency and responsibility for their local communities.

A life of prostitution is a life of violence and oppression – experiences that result in traumatic scars for life.

A safehouse is a safe home for women who have left prostitution behind. Here they complete a rehabilitation program, develop skills, and prepare to return to a life of dignity, employment, and self-sufficiency.

The women establish shops in the local village and become known for their good craftsmanship – they have become entrepreneurs. They thrive and create relationships “cross-cutting” while also being in dialogue with the village leadership, school, health clinic, church, mosque and the local police.

The women organize themselves in the village and call the citizens together and speak out on issues such as human rights, sustainable values and the importance of schooling and education. They have become visionaries. They take responsibility for the development of their own local community and they do it TOGETHER with the other citizens of the village.

They came from violence and oppression - now they have created a movement that spreads hope and faith in the future.

The documentary I Wish I Knew

The documentary tells four stories from people who have experienced human trafficking — and shows both the darkness and the hope. The film was shown at Cinemateket in April 2025.

Interviews with Kaba Kure, housemother at Greater Love Lighthouse

Hear about the work at a safehouse and how women are supported in rebuilding their lives.

From survivor to mentor

Josephine went from being a victim of human trafficking to becoming a mentor for other women.

SHE LEADS

SHE LEADS is working to provide 70 Nigerian women who have left prostitution and are living in a safehouse with training in three trades: hairdressing, cooking and tailoring.
The aim is to give the women the opportunity to create a sustainable income and a dignified life with new future opportunities.

Do you want to help create change?

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