Research Project Highlights Urgent Health, Social, and Human Rights Needs of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Persons in Nigeria
A groundbreaking research and advocacy initiative titled “Identifying and Documenting the Priority Health, Social, and Human Rights Needs of Transgender and Gender-Diverse (TGD) Persons in Nigeria” has successfully generated critical evidence to support inclusive public health programming and strengthen human rights protections for transgender and gender-diverse communities across Nigeria.
Implemented in partnership with UNAIDS, the project sought to address longstanding gaps in data, representation, and policy attention affecting transgender and gender-diverse persons by documenting lived experiences and identifying structural barriers impacting their wellbeing and safety.
The initiative focused on mapping the key challenges faced by TGD individuals in accessing equitable healthcare and social protection systems. Through community engagement, evidence gathering, and advocacy-centered research, the project highlighted urgent concerns including stigma, discrimination, violence, legal exclusion, economic marginalization, and limited access to gender-affirming healthcare services.
The findings provide valuable insight into the realities faced by transgender and gender-diverse persons in Nigeria and underscore the need for responsive, rights-based interventions that prioritize dignity, inclusion, safety, and access to care.
“This project represents an important step toward ensuring that transgender and gender-diverse persons are not excluded from conversations around public health, human rights, and national development,” the project team stated. “Evidence-driven advocacy is essential to creating systems and policies that recognize and protect the rights and wellbeing of all people.”
The research further contributed to the development of community-informed recommendations designed to guide policymakers, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and development partners in implementing more inclusive and effective interventions. The evidence generated through the project is expected to strengthen policy dialogue, inform programming decisions, and support ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes and human rights protections for TGD communities in Nigeria.
By centering the voices and experiences of transgender and gender-diverse individuals, the project reinforces the importance of inclusive research practices and participatory advocacy approaches in advancing equality and social justice.
The initiative also calls for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address systemic barriers and create safer, affirming environments where transgender and gender-diverse persons can access healthcare, social support, and legal protections without fear of discrimination or violence.
About the Project
Identifying and Documenting the Priority Health, Social, and Human Rights Needs of Transgender and Gender-Diverse (TGD) Persons in Nigeria is a research and advocacy-focused initiative implemented in partnership with UNAIDS. The project aims to generate evidence that supports inclusive public health responses, informs policy advocacy, and advances the human rights, safety, and wellbeing of transgender and gender-diverse persons in Nigeria.
