About Us

Established in 2012, the Chikwem Foundation was conceived by a group of visionary founders hailing from diverse professional backgrounds. Dr. Roy Chikwem, an esteemed International Development Professional, spearheaded the initiative alongside Adiba Eluaka-Chikwem, a Registered Public Health Nurse; Linda Chikwem-Obi, a Chartered Accountant with a keen eye for financial management; Israel Chikwem, a Mechanical Engineer known for his innovative solutions; and Agnes Onyiewu-Chikwem, a dynamic Business Owner with a passion for community development. Operating as a private nonprofit charity in Nigeria and Australia, the Chikwem Foundation has blossomed into a dynamic force for change under the guidance of its founders. Leveraging their expertise in international development, healthcare, finance, engineering, and business, the foundation has expanded its reach to address a multitude of challenges faced by women and girls in vulnerable communities.

Driven by their collective commitment to empowerment, the founders have forged strategic partnerships with local communities both at home and abroad. Through collaborative efforts, the foundation endeavors to uplift women and girls, providing them with the resources and support necessary to overcome obstacles such as poverty, hunger, and injustice. Central to their mission is the belief in the transformative power of education, as they strive to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to access quality schooling and pave the way for a brighter future. With a shared vision and a wealth of expertise, the founders of the Chikwem Foundation continue to lead the charge in advocating for the rights and opportunities of women and girls worldwide. Their unwavering dedication to creating positive change serves as a testament to the impact that can be achieved through collective action and compassion.

The Chikwem Foundation operates with a set of clear and ambitious goals, designed to guide its mission of empowering women and girls and fostering sustainable development in vulnerable communities.

Education Accessibility: Ensure that every girl, regardless of socio-economic background or geographical location, has access to quality education. This involves supporting initiatives that promote enrollment, retention, and completion of schooling, as well as providing scholarships and educational resources to underserved communities.

Health and Well-being: Improve the health and well-being of women and girls by providing access to essential healthcare services, including reproductive health, maternal care, and nutrition programs. Additionally, promote awareness and education on hygiene, disease prevention, and mental health to ensure holistic well-being.

Economic Empowerment: Empower women and girls economically by offering skills training, entrepreneurship programs, and microfinance opportunities. By equipping them with the tools and resources to generate income and become financially independent, the foundation aims to break the cycle of poverty and create long-term sustainable change.

Gender Equality and Social Justice: Advocate for gender equality and social justice by challenging discriminatory practices and promoting women’s rights. Through awareness campaigns, legal advocacy, and community engagement, the foundation seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable society where women and girls are treated with dignity and respect.

Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Aid: Provide rapid response and long-term support to women and girls affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and humanitarian crises. This involves delivering emergency aid, rebuilding infrastructure, and implementing resilience-building programs to help communities recover and thrive in the face of adversity.

Community Development and Capacity Building: Foster community development and capacity building by collaborating with local stakeholders, civil society organizations, and government agencies. Through participatory approaches and sustainable development projects, the foundation aims to empower communities to identify their own needs and implement solutions that promote self-reliance and resilience.

Advocacy and Policy Influence: Advocate for policies and practices that advance the rights and opportunities of women and girls at local, national, and international levels. By engaging policymakers, conducting research, and mobilizing public support, the foundation seeks to influence systemic change and create an enabling environment for gender equality and women’s empowerment.