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Women Leading the Change • Participant Spotlight

Mrs Esther Lalai

Humanitarian/ Multisectoral Program Manager Maiduguri, Nigeria Group D WLC Mentor

I am a dedicated public health and nutrition professional with over eight years of experience in nutrition and health programme implementation, Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC), and protection mainstreaming. I have a strong track record of delivering impactful, community-based interventions, with technical expertise in the management of severe and moderate acute malnutrition, Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) programmes, and the integration of gender and protection principles to enhance the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of vulnerable and marginalized populations particularly children under five, adolescents, and women. My professional competencies encompass programme design and management, the advancement of localization through context-responsive strategies, partner capacity strengthening, and the implementation of social cohesion and peacebuilding initiatives, alongside stakeholder engagement and advocacy. I have demonstrated experience collaborating with local partners, government institutions, and community-based structures to deliver sustainable, evidence-based, and locally anchored interventions aligned with organizational and donor priorities. I am deeply committed to improving health and nutrition outcomes for vulnerable populations, especially children under five and pregnant and lactating women. I am a strong advocate for women’s and girls’ rights, promoting environments free from harassment, violence, and harmful practices. I firmly believe in amplifying women’s voices and advancing evidence-based, inclusive interventions that lead to sustainable and equitable outcomes.

Mentor Modalities
Available for mentorship within the WLC community.
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Mrs Esther Lalai
Education
BSc
Age range
25–34
Organization
ELela care development and humanitarian organisation
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Mrs Esther Lalai
Mrs Esther Lalai
Mrs Esther Lalai
Mrs Esther Lalai
Mrs Esther Lalai
Leadership focus
Key issues & motivation
Key issue(s)
I am most passionate about addressing malnutrition, access to quality health services, gender-based inequalities, and the limited opportunities for women and girls to participate in decision making and leadership. I am particularly concerned about the barriers women face in accessing nutrition information, reproductive health services, and livelihood opportunities. I also care deeply about protecting adolescent girls ensuring they have education, skills, and supportive environments free from harmful cultural practices and gender-based violence.
Motivation
I am motivated to join the Women Leading the Change Cohort 1 because I believe it offers a unique platform to grow my leadership capacity, connect with women leaders across Nigeria, and strengthen my advocacy skills for advancing gender equity and women leadership. As someone working closely with women and children in conflict affected communities, I want to amplify my voice, refine my leadership influence, and gain new perspectives that will help me design stronger and more inclusive programs. I am inspired by the opportunity to learn, share experiences, and be part of a network of women who are committed to transforming their communities and leading the change in Nigeria.
Leadership philosophy
I believe that leadership is about service, empathy, and inspiring people toward a shared vision. To me, a good leader listens deeply, empowers others, and leads by example through integrity, accountability, and compassion. Leadership is not about position but it is about influence, humility, and the ability to create an environment where people feel valued and capable of contributing their strengths. My leadership approach is collaborative and people centered. I prioritize mentorship and coaching, teamwork, and capacity building, ensuring that everyone involved feels ownership of the change we are working to achieve our goals.
Research project
Assessing the Mechanisms and Impacts of Grassroots Organizing and Coalition on Women’s Participation in Civic Leadership in Borno State Nigeria.
Women’s underrepresentation in civic and political leadership remains a critical challenge in Nigeria, despite decades of independence and democratic governance. Although women constitute nearly half of the population, their participation in elective and decision-making positions has consistently remained low. After the 1999 elections, women occupied only 1.82% of national elective positions. Representation briefly improved to 6.4% by 2011 but declined in subsequent elections, falling to 5.65% in 2015 and 4.17% in 2019. This downward trend signifies not only a lack of political inclusion but also a weakening of gender-responsive governance. The exclusion of women is significant because research indicates that women bring unique perspectives that foster more inclusive, equitable, and socially responsive policies. Countries with higher female representation often prioritize transparency, social protection, fairness, and long-term development. In Northeast Nigeria an already vulnerable region affected by conflict and instability limited participation of women in civic leadership further undermines inclusive governance, community resilience, and gender equality. This study seeks to examine the mechanisms, challenges, and impact of grassroots organizing and coalition-building on women’s participation in civic leadership in Northeast Nigeria. By identifying effective strategies and barriers, it aims to provide actionable insights that can strengthen women’s leadership pipelines, enhance political inclusion, and support gender-sensitive development in the region.
Target beneficiaries
The primary beneficiaries of this research are women and girls in Northeast Nigeria, particularly those living in conflict-affected and marginalized communities who face barriers to political participation and civic engagement. Secondary beneficiaries include local community leaders, grassroots organizations, and policymakers who can use the findings to strengthen gender-responsive governance and inclusive decision-making. By focusing on women at the grassroots level, the research aims to highlight both the challenges they face and the strategies that enable their meaningful participation in civic leadership.
Expected impact
The research is expected to generate actionable insights into how grassroots organizing and coalition-building can enhance women’s participation in civic leadership in Northeast Nigeria. It aims to inform policies and interventions that promote gender equality in political and decision-making spaces. The study intends to empower women by identifying effective strategies for overcoming barriers, strengthen local advocacy networks, and contribute to more inclusive, transparent, and socially responsive governance. Ultimately, the research seeks to support the development of sustainable mechanisms that enhance women’s leadership and influence in their communities and at broader societal levels.
Evidence record
Verified outcomes after WLC
Verified outcomes will appear here as A2WG reviews and publishes them.