A commitment to peaceful change.
Centre for Nonviolence and Gender Advocacy in Nigeria (CENGAIN) is an independent, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization working towards peace, gender equality and sustainable development.
Our work spans women’s and children’s rights, active nonviolence, gender equality and equity, and conflict management. CENGAIN is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Vision & mission
Vision: A peaceful, nonviolent and gender-sensitive society that promotes equal rights for all.
Mission: To deepen commitment to justice, peace, tolerance, democracy, gender equality, respect for human rights and solidarity among people, communities and institutions.
What we do
Peace education
Training and inspiring youth and adults in the practice of nonviolence.
Conflict management
Helping staff and organizations resolve workplace conflict and build positive outcomes.
Community Peace Advocates
Mobilizing grassroots youth for community and personal conflict management.
Survivors for Peace
Supporting survivors of conflict and gender-based violence into leadership and healing.
Children for Peace
Peace education for children aged 6 to 12.
Gender mainstreaming
Advancing women’s involvement in social and economic development.
Our President & Founder
Asmau Benzies Leo is a gender and social inclusion advocate, international conference speaker and the President and Founder of CENGAIN.
She holds degrees in Sociology and Anthropology and Conflict Management and Peace Studies, specializing in Gender, Conflict and Development, alongside executive leadership certificates from Howard University and Harvard University. Her career includes consulting work with the World Bank, UN agencies and development partners, and leadership of NEMA’s Gender and Vulnerable Group Care Unit.
Asmau is a Vital Voices Fellow, Global Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Humanity, and convener of Peace Hub Nigeria and the Women in Public Service Initiatives. Her work has been recognized internationally, including the Global Peace Award 2020 for Creative Nonviolence.