I Always Knew I Was Born To Make A Difference - Hauwa Abbas Hadejia

Hauwa Abbas Hadejia is the Founder, Silver Lining for the Needy Initiative (SLNI), an NGO to promote the spread of humanitarian aid amongst the impoverished through its broad spectrum of projects and activities brought respite to millions of medically under-served rural families since 2009. She speaks to TMG in this interview, highlighting the reasons behind the Initiative and the next steps for the NGO. 

TMG> Who's Hauwa Abbas Hadejia

Hauwa: My name is Hauwa Abbas, I am a visionary with strong standing built on 14+ years experience in supporting and advocating for the improvement of society via the engagement of governments, stakeholders and influential opinion leaders. I am an award-winning humanitarian with an impeccable track record for marrying a global perspective with local experience and implementing high-impact interventions to reduce maternal and newborn mortality in northern Nigeria. I have a commendable history of equipping vulnerable populations: marginalized women and incarcerated individuals with a positive and growth-mindset by providing them with ongoing coaching, mentoring and support. A certified coach with International Coaching Federation, I have worked with high net worth individuals and leaders in organizations to build their capacity as leaders and improve performance for their teams. 

TMG> What was the vision behind SLNI and how far has it come now?

Hauwa: I founded Silver Lining for the Needy Initiative (SLNI), an NGO, in 2009, to promote the spread of humanitarian aid amongst the impoverished through its broad spectrum of projects and activities. In my capacity as the founder/president of SLNI, my teams and I have spent the last 11 years educating women in rural communities on how to safeguard their health and that of their families from preventable life-threatening diseases. SLNI has brought respite to millions of medically under-served rural families by providing them with critically needed healthcare services: delivery kits, pre-natal and post-natal care for mother and child, family planning, cervical cancer screening, voluntary counselling, HIV testing & counselling services. Specifically, in the last four years, SLNI has partnered with Vitamin Angels (a global charity organization) amongst others to deworm and fortify children under the age of 5 with Vitamin A (an essential vitamin that protects children from illnesses, blindness and death). Childhood nutrition and growth is a core program for us. SLNI was granted special consultative status in 2021 by the United Nations (UN) Economic and social Council (ECOSOC), this status is the highest to be granted to an NGO outlined in article 71 of the UN charter.

TMG> What Inspired you to become a public health advocate and humanitarian?

Hauwa: My journey to the development sector and later public health started through volunteering and engaging in community projects. My passion for advocacy started off at a young age, I have always had a voice and never been afraid to use it. My motivation and drive is I always knew I was born to make a difference. Growing up strong and resilient also prepared me for my role.

TMG> Do your humanitarian services cover the whole Nigeria or only a section of the country?

Hauwa: Our activities cover 14 states in Nigeria with a mix across geo-political zones.

 

TMG> As a public health advocate and coming from the Northern part of Nigeria, which is currently facing insecurity, how do you deliver your services and enlighten women/children about health- related issues?

Hauwa: Our organization started in 2009, in those years we have built partnerships with community leaders; this has enabled us access to the communities we serve, we have community leaders who are trained with us to serve their community better. This strategy was helpful during the pandemic and lock down. We support our communities with partners, through the leaders and volunteers especially during security challenges.  

 

TMG> What specifically has your NGO done to help mothers and children in Nigeria?

Hauwa: Childhood nutrition and growth is a core program for us. SLNI has also maximized the partnership to freely provide pregnant women with prenatal vitamins for the entire duration of their pregnancies as well as birthing kits to ensure safe delivery. In addition to our work with women, we have provided business support, eye check-ups and corrective glasses to elderly widows and widowers in rural areas and also provided subsidies for school tuition and boarding fees as well as annual Summer School activities for the kids in orphanages homes. We have supported the government to renovate schools and health facilities. SLNI is in partnership with several civil society groups and MDAs, including: the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Federal Ministry of Education. SLNI has been recognized by the Nigerian government for its immeasurable contribution to the reduction of child and maternal mortality in the country. 

TMG> Alot of NGOs don't last long and some don't meet up to expectations and targets. How have you been able to stay afloat? 

Hauwa: I believe SLNI has survived because we are strongly grounded in structure, processes and continuous improvement. People and organizations that support any NGO need to know they are working with a credible organization; one that always has sustainability has a goal.

 

TMG> Education is always a challenge in the north, therefore, how are you managing issues related to girl-child education?

Hauwa: We continue to work with the schools, community leaders, parents and other key stake holders to ensure that the girl child has the opportunity to attend school in a safe environment.

TMG> What motivates you with your profession?

Hauwa: I am always motivated, knowing that every little effort helps, nothing is too small to contribute to development. 

TMG> Which areas do you need to improve in your humanitarian services?

Hauwa: Funding is a challenge for all who strive to provide humanitarian services; we continue to do our best, stay consistent and build our partnerships.  

 

TMG> What are some of the challenges you have faced in starting your NGO and challenges you are facing now?

Hauwa: Starting any organization has a lot of bottle necks, the important things are to build a structure, document everything, support your team and attract partners. 

TMG> What style of management do you think works in becoming successful as an advocate?

Hauwa: Everyone is different; there is no ideal style of management as each organization is unique, at different stages in leadership or organizations growth different styles will be adopted. Management and leadership is a journey.

TMG> Tell us how you manage other responsibilities of your businesses? 

Hauwa: My responsibitilies range from full management oversight and decision-making responsibilities for all technical, administrative, financial, and contractual matters, to providing strategic leadership and direction for all operational functions [human resources, accounts, admin] to support the organization’s growth while simultaneously driving top-line performance and bottom-line results. I am accountable for the organization’s strategic fundraising and policy making activities as well as representing the organization at high level meetings with government officials, partners, coalitions and advocacy constituencies.

TMG> How do you manage people and work-related stress?

Hauwa: In managing people, openness and understanding everyone is different. In managing stress, learn to take time out for yourself and for reflection. 

TMG> Tell us about the greatest goal that you’ve ever accomplished professionally? 

Hauwa: I have many great goals that I have been able to achieve professionally, the latest from 2021, SLNI was granted special consultative status in 2021 by the United Nations (UN) Economic and social Council (ECOSOC), this status is the highest to be granted to an NGO outlined in article 71 of the UN charter.

 

TMG> What kind of sacrifices have you had to make in order to be successful in your career?

Hauwa: I have made sacrifices in all areas of my life to reach where I am in my career; everyone who is passionate, committed and goal oriented will make multiple sacrifices at different stages in their career.

 

TMG> What's your advice to young people who want to be like you and even more? 

Hauwa: Know yourself, celebrate yourself and take care of your mental and physical health always. 

I would tell them to find at least one mentor, if possible more. It is really important that you identify people older and more experienced than yourself that you can confide in, not only to talk through the good things but also the bad. A mentor may tell you what you do not want to hear but with the right mindset and relationship, you will accept it is the best for you. Mentorship is vital in a formal setting but also in an informal setting. Keep people close who tell you the truth in private but fight for you in public.

 

TMG> Who are your role models and people who have inspired you?

Hauwa: There are a few key qualities a role model should have: ability to inspire, demonstrate confidence, demonstrate commitment, demonstrate integrity and have the passion to serve others. To mention a few, Amina Mohammed, Michelle Obama, my mother and every parent who remains committed to raising their child.  

TMG> How do you socialise and when?

Hauwa: I make time to relax and reboot. Depending on my mood, I enjoy watching movies, cooking, painting, spa sessions and spending time with loved ones. 

 

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