ABOUT US
Who We Are
The Equality Pathway Initiative (TEPI) is a youth-led organisation based in Nigeria, advancing the rights, wellbeing, and opportunities of LGBTQI+ communities, with a particular focus on transgender and gender-diverse young people.
We bring people together to learn, connect, access support, and shape the decisions that affect their lives. Through education, community dialogue, research, and advocacy, we work towards a society where every person can live with dignity and pursue their aspirations.
Our Team
The People Behind TEPI
Our team brings together young advocates and professionals with experience across community engagement, health, research, communications, finance, and programme delivery.
We are connected by a shared commitment to dignity and inclusion, and by the belief that young people should have an active role in shaping their communities’ futures.
Aliyah BAANA (she/her)
Executive Director
Felix GODWIN (he/they)
Programme Manager
Golden HENSHAW (they/them)
Communications/Advocacy Manager
Bassie JUSTUS (he/him)
Finance Manager
Emmanuel ONWE (he/they)
Co-Director & Board Liaison
Our Story
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Origin
Based in Abuja, Nigeria
Conceived in 2022, our journey began when we recognized the urgent need to mobilize and empower transgender and gender-diverse communities in Nigeria. Driven by a passion for social justice, he engaged young trans and gender-diverse persons to understand their lived realities within a deeply hostile and homophobic society. These conversations revealed stark inequities and systemic exclusion. -
OperationBetween 2023 and 2024, the organization underwent significant restructuring, formalizing its operations with registration under the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of Nigeria. Today, we proudly run three self-funded programs focused on empowerment, wellness, self-development, and community strengthening — all rooted in our commitment to building a just, inclusive, and equitable society for trans and gender-diverse persons.
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ContextFindings showed that transgender and gender-diverse youths face significantly greater psychological and psychosocial challenges compared to their hetero-passive peers. Despite existing donor and policy frameworks, trans and gender-diverse persons remain underrepresented — constituting less than half of the staff and decision-making boards within LGBTQ+ organizations in Nigeria. Additionally, they face intersecting layers of climate and social injustice, with more than half lacking access to human capital development opportunities.
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ApproachIn response, the organization launched its first program, Q-TECH, in 2022 — a self-funded technology empowerment initiative designed to equip LGBTQ+ individuals with employable digital skills. The program successfully trained 20 young persons in UI/UX design and graphic successfully trained 20 young persons in UI/UX design and graphic design.
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ScopeWe operate on multiple levels—individual, grassroots, community, and national—working inclusively to drive all young people toward a future of comprehensive change and collective advancement. Together, we’re building a society that is inclusive, prosperous, and free from violence, where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.
Our Work
What We Do
Over the past three years, we have centered our programs around these 5 pillars:
Principles
Why We Exist
Everyone deserves the freedom to be themselves, the support to care for their wellbeing, and the opportunity to build a fulfilling life. TEPI exists to help create spaces for connection, strengthen access to knowledge and opportunities, and support communities to speak and act on their own priorities.
Our Mission
To build inclusive spaces that advance healing, empowerment, and opportunity for marginalised communities, particularly transgender and gender-diverse young people, through education, wellbeing support, community engagement, and advocacy.
Our Vision
A just and inclusive society where transgender and gender-diverse people can live authentically, thrive with dignity, and access the support and opportunities to fulfil their potential.
Our Values
We respect diverse identities and experiences. We act with honesty and take responsibility for our decisions, relationships, and use of resources. We believe in our shared humanity. Our work grows through care, and solidarity.
Partnerships
Our Partners and Collaborators
Progress grows through shared effort. We work with community organisations, advocates, researchers, service providers, and development partners to exchange knowledge, strengthen support, and advance inclusion.
We welcome collaborations rooted in respect, accountability, and shared purpose.
