Our Impact
These are real accounts of lives touched, injustices challenged, and dignity restored — some names changed to protect privacy.
Gender-Based Violence Reports
Across Nigeria, SOWCHAN documents and responds to cases of discrimination, stigma, and violence against women and children living with HIV. The following cases represent the frontline of our work.
Anambra State
Opunachi — Rejected for Her Status
A woman from Ihiala was sent out of her husband's house during pregnancy because of her HIV positive status. Her children and properties were taken from her. As an orphan with nowhere to stay, SOWCHAN connected her with support and community resources.
Chisom — A Child Denied Education
A 10-year-old boy who passed his entrance examination was rejected at school because of his HIV status. SOWCHAN advocates challenged this discriminatory decision and fought for his right to education.
Mrs. Christiana — Stripped of Everything
After losing her husband to AIDS, her in-laws took all her belongings and sent her back to her father's house. SOWCHAN officials and volunteers fought the family, and she was eventually brought back — though still facing denial of land for farming.
Abia State
Omasirichi — A Child Survivor
A 12-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by her step-father over four years. When discovered, her step-father attempted to flee but was caught. The girl is now on ARV treatment and doing well, supported by SOWCHAN's care network.
Mrs. Uloma — Justice Through FIDA
Uloma's husband knew his HIV status but infected her. After his death, his family accused her of infecting him and took her children and property. SOWCHAN worked with FIDA Abia State to restore her children and belongings to her.
Imo State
Mrs. Obioha — Fighting for Justice
After losing her husband to HIV/AIDS, her brother-in-law seized all property including farmlands, leaving her with nothing to care for her three children. SOWCHAN is working to build her courage and self-esteem to pursue legal justice.
Miss Favour — From Rejection to Care
An AIDS orphan falsely accused of being a witch and passed between relatives who rejected her. SOWCHAN counseled her mother to access medical treatment and enrolled Favour in its OVC program. Both are now doing well and happy.
Ebonyi State — Case Register
| Client | Type of Case | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Rosemary Igwe | Discrimination & false accusation | Case settled by traditional ruler. Client free to conduct business. |
| Ms Nancy Nome | Character assassination & theft by stepbrother | Matter settled at police station through HRH intervention. |
| Mrs. Felicia Umezuruike | Denial of livelihood by husband | Referred to legal counsel (Barr. Nkem Chukwu). |
| Mrs. Chioma Ogbonna | Denial of child custody | Custody of daughter granted. Case in court. |
| Promise Chukwuma | Community rejection & property destruction | Case settled through CIDDOC. |
"We show ourselves as women of strength, dignity, and purpose — not as victims who live in fear and isolation waiting to die."