About Us

Grassroot People and Gender Development Center is a registered nonprofit organization (NPO) in Nigeria known as “GRADE” for its commitment to advancing the rights, dignity, and well-being of marginalized and underserved populations particularly women, girls, children, youth and elderly.

GRADE was founded to respond to persistent gender inequalities, harmful social norms, and barriers that limit access to opportunity for vulnerable groups. The organization works directly with communities to drive lasting and people-led change.

GRADE works to amplify the voices that are too often overlooked, unlocking the potential of individuals and groups at the grassroots through awareness campaigns, capacity building, strategic advocacy and participatory development initiatives.

By placing people at the center of progress, we strive to build resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity for personal development.

We believe that every child, girls, women and marginalized person has the rights to live free from violence, discrimination, and exclusion. Through advocacy, education, empowerment, and community engagement, we strengthen voices, expand opportunities, and build safer, more inclusive societies.

Core Values

GRADE Core Values – ‘DECENT‘

D – Dignity: Promote respectful engagement, protect rights, and ensure no one is treated as less than human.

E – Equity: We are committed to fairness and justice by addressing systemic inequalities affecting marginalized groups.

C – Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnerships and collective action to drive sustainable change.

E – Empowerment: We deliver life-changing trainings, mentorship, and opportunities that build agency and leadership.

N – New Innovation: We explore new strategies of necreate safe spaces, listen actively, and respond with care in all interventions.

T – Transparency & Accountability: We uphold clear reporting, ethical practices, and community feedback mechanisms.

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Our Approach

We use integrated, people-centered strategies that ensure lasting impact:

We use integrated, people-centered strategies that drive sustainable and transformative impact:

1. Community-Led & Sustainable Model

Programs are co-designed and implemented with local leaders, women’s groups, survivors, youth, and key stakeholders to ensure relevance, ownership, and long-term sustainability.

2. Evidence-Driven & Rights-Based Approach

Our interventions are grounded in data, continuous monitoring, and human rights principles. We use community feedback and measurable indicators to track progress, ensure accountability, and demonstrate impact to stakeholders and donors.

3. Voice & Accountability

We amplify the voices of women, girls, and marginalized groups while strengthening systems that hold leaders and institutions accountable.

4. Gender & Social Inclusion

We intentionally address gender inequality and social exclusion by ensuring that women, girls, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable populations are fully included in all programs.

5. Economic Empowerment

We promote financial independence and resilience through skills development, entrepreneurship support, and access to livelihood opportunities.

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Target Beneficiaries

GRADE focuses on reaching vulnerable and underserved populations, particularly:

1. Women (Especially Low-Income & Vulnerable Women): Women facing economic hardship, social exclusion, or gender-based discrimination.

2. Adolescent Girls: Girls in schools and communities who are at risk of abuse, early marriage, or limited access to opportunities.

3. Children (Especially At-Risk & Vulnerable): Children exposed to neglect, abuse, or limited access to education and protection services.

4. Survivors of Gender-Based Violence: Women and girls who have experienced violence or are at risk.

5. Community Stakeholders: Parents and caregivers, Community leaders, Teachers and school administrators, Religious and traditional leaders

6. Youth (Male & Female): Young people engaged as agents of change in their communities.