Supporting FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND ASSOCIATION

Mariam Oyiza Aliyu, a Nigerian human rights advocate born in 1994, is the founder and Executive Director of the Learning Through Skills Acquisition Initiative (LETSAI). Based in Borno State, her NGO focuses on empowering women, youth, and marginalized communities through education, psychosocial support, and skills training, especially in areas affected by conflict. LETSAI addresses social issues including gender-based violence, religious persecution, and poverty, with an overarching goal of promoting peace and social justice.

Raised in Kogi State, Aliyu’s interest in social justice was influenced by her personal experiences, including the loss of her parents and firsthand exposure to the challenges facing women and youth in conflict-affected areas. With a degree in medical radiography from the University of Maiduguri and additional in International Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University, she brings a multifaceted approach to her advocacy work, combining healthcare, trauma counseling, and skills training. Through LETSAI, Aliyu has provided trauma healing and resilience training to survivors of gender-based violence, established Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) for economically disadvantaged women, and developed a curriculum for youth .

In addition to her work with women and youth, Aliyu actively advocates for religious freedom and supports individuals persecuted for their religious beliefs. She addresses religious discrimination by promoting interfaith dialogue and community resilience through peacebuilding initiatives that aim to create inclusive environments where people of different beliefs can coexist peacefully. Her efforts include leading community workshops that encourage tolerance, support for survivors of religious persecution, and mental health resources to aid their recovery and integration​.

Aliyu’s work has received support and collaboration from organizations such as the United Nations Women, the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund, and Christian Aid, allowing her to expand LETSAI’s reach. Her commitment to inclusivity, women’s empowerment, and religious freedom positions her as a vital advocate for marginalized groups in Nigeria and beyond.