culled from Y! Magazine, Issue 4

Esther Ijewere is the director of Rubies Ink .

What’s the name of your charity?

It’s called RUBIES INK, a social enterprise outfit devoted to youth advocacy, public relations, and social enterprise solutions. We are the initiators of W.A.R. (Walk Against Rape), an advocacy initiative created to lend a voice for the victims of rape and demand justice for the perpetrators.

How long has the charity been in existence?

Two years.

What does your charity do?

Rubies Inc provides social enterprise solutions to the social challenges plaguing our world. We do this through advocacy, public relations, and other activities.

Who is your target audience?

The youth and the young at heart.

About how many people have benefitted from your charity?

Our impact and success story cannot be quantified. We have had the priviledge of working with the Ministry of Women Affairs in Lagos State.They provide shelter for victims, so we direct most victims to them. Like I said, we cannot give a figure, but a whole lot of women and young girls have been transformed as a result of our charity works, and our counselling services.

How many states in Nigeria do you work in?

W.A.R. operates in Lagos. We intend to expand to eventually become a nationwide operation.

What is the most rewarding thing about running a non-profit organization?

The whole essence of life is encapsulated in the word IMPACT. The reward we derive from what we do is the testimony of changed lives.

What challenges do you face that are peculiar to the Nigerian environment?

Getting the victims to speak up is a major challenge due to the burden of stigmatisation. Y!