Every year, an estimated 736 million women—nearly one in three—globally experience physical or sexual violence, according to the World Health Organization. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence is even higher, with cultural, social, and economic factors compounding the crisis. For many survivors, the path to healing is fraught with challenges, often leaving them feeling trapped and powerless. However, Enifome Ogbimi is changing the narrative for many victims across Nigeria.
Enifome Ogbimi is a reformer and survivor whose journey from pain to purpose has inspired countless women to reclaim their lives. Through the Live Again Foundation, Ogbimi has become a beacon of hope, offering life-giving solutions to women grappling with domestic violence, abuse, and trauma. Her work spans shelter, psychosocial support, skill development, and financial empowerment, all aimed at transforming victims into victors.
In this candid Q&A with The Benchmark, Enifome Ogbimi shares her journey, the misconceptions surrounding domestic violence, and the extraordinary impact of her foundation. From uplifting women in Nigeria to collaborating with state agencies, her story is one of resilience, purpose, and the power of collective action.
The Benchmark: Introduce yourself briefly.
Enifome Ogbimi: My name is Enifome Ogbimi. I am a reformer on a mission to help people build better lives by offering life-giving solutions that lead to extraordinary results for individuals, events, and organisations.
Enifome, can you share a bit about your journey as a survivor of domestic violence and how that experience shapes your work at The Live Again Foundation?
I endured domestic violence, and during that period, I found myself merely existing—shining outwardly but dying inside. I smiled without experiencing joy, lived in fear, and felt worthless. As I began to heal and rediscover myself, I realised that many other women were in similar situations—suffering abuse, trauma, and stress while presenting a facade of strength. This realisation inspired me to establish The Live Again Foundation.
What inspired you to transform your pain into purpose, and how do you hope to impact the lives of others through your foundation?
I came to understand that I was a recipient of generational pain. My predecessors have experienced similar patterns of pain, and because that pain was not addressed, it was unknowingly passed down to me, and I carried it until it bore destructive fruit in my life. Once I recognised this, I decided to channel my pain into purpose instead of allowing it to control me.
I aspire to help women transition from pain to purpose. I also encourage them not to be immobilised by their struggles but to channel their experiences as a driving force for living meaningful, profitable lives.
How does the Live Again Foundation specifically support and empower women who have experienced domestic violence, and what services or resources do you offer?
We provide psychosocial support, helping women find a way out of abuse and begin their healing journey. Our approach includes mindset re-engineering, rediscovery of identity and purpose, and building healthy self-esteem. We offer shelter, skill acquisition programmes, job placement opportunities, and business growth initiatives where necessary. Our ultimate aim is to empower women to rebuild their lives in every aspect, including financial independence.
What do you believe are some common misconceptions about domestic violence, and how do you address these through your work?
There is a pervasive belief that women facing domestic violence are somehow at fault—stubborn or violent—and therefore deserving of the abuse. That is entirely untrue. Most victims are simply women who made unfortunate choices in partners.
Another misconception is that women in abusive relationships do not want to leave. While a small number may resist leaving, many women wish to escape but face barriers such as fear, uncertainty about starting over, or a lack of resources and safe spaces.
Can you share a story or experience that has stood out to you in your work with survivors?
A woman from Kebbi State contacted us after being sold into marriage by her uncle. Her husband subjected her to severe maltreatment, including physical abuse and depriving her of food, even while she was pregnant.
With the help of a local partner, we empowered her with baking and event planning skills. We also provided baking equipment, an oven, and a gas cylinder. Today, she is thriving in her business and can support herself and her child.
Given the emotionally demanding nature of your work, how do you prioritise self-care and avoid burnout?
I pace myself and recognise that I am only a vessel. I trust God to handle the heavier burdens while focusing on my role. When I feel overwhelmed, I rest, engage in activities that make me happy, and practise deep breathing to reset and rejuvenate.
How do you collaborate with or leverage external resources (e.g., law enforcement, healthcare providers, community organisations) to support your mission?
We collaborate with organisations such as the Lagos State Domestic Violence Agency and the Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure our women receive the necessary support.
We are keen to form additional partnerships with community organisations, food banks, healthcare providers, recruitment agencies, and businesses willing to invest in women or collaborate with initiatives like ours.
What message of hope do you want to convey to women currently facing domestic violence, and how can they connect with the Live Again Foundation for support?
There may be a reason you ended up with an abuser. But you don’t have to stay in that situation. While it might feel hopeless now, hope lies within you. You have so much potential, and many lives are connected to yours. You owe it to yourself and future generations to rise above your pain.
If I can live again, so can you—and you will.
Call our helpline or send a direct message via Instagram: @enifomespeaks or @liveagain_foundation. We’re here to help.
