Frequently Asked Questions

What is VARSH Foundation?

VARSH Foundation is a feminist-led, youth-driven non-profit organization established in 2019. We are committed to eradicating sexual abuse, child abuse, gender-based violence, and gender discrimination in society. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, we work to create a safer environment for all, especially women and children.

What does VARSH stand for?

VARSH represents our core values and mission: Voice, Advocacy, Resilience, Support, and Hope. These principles guide our work as we strive to amplify the voices of survivors, advocate for systemic change, build resilient communities, provide support to those affected by abuse, and inspire hope for a future free from violence.

What are VARSH Foundation's main focus areas?

Our work focuses on several key areas:

• Combating sexual and gender-based violence
• Protecting child rights and preventing child abuse
• Promoting women's empowerment and gender equality
• Advocating for peace, justice, and strong institutions
• Providing support services for survivors
• Community education and awareness campaigns
• Youth engagement and leadership development

What should I do if I know someone who is a survivor of sexual abuse?

If you know someone who has experienced sexual abuse:

• Listen without judgment and believe them
• Reassure them that it's not their fault
• Respect their decisions and privacy
• Encourage them to seek professional help when they're ready
• Connect them with VARSH or other support resources
• Continue to support them through their healing journey

Remember that your role is to support, not to pressure or make decisions for them.

How does VARSH support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence?

VARSH Foundation provides comprehensive support to survivors through:

• Free and confidential counseling and emotional support
• Legal aid and guidance through reporting processes
• Referrals to medical services and mental health professionals
• Community-based support groups for survivors
• Advocacy for survivor-centered policies and justice
• Educational resources on healing and recovery

Our support is survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and focused on empowerment.

Is the support provided by VARSH confidential?

Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of our work with survivors. We maintain strict confidentiality standards and protect the privacy and dignity of everyone who seeks our support. Information shared with us is not disclosed without explicit permission, except in situations where there is an immediate risk of harm or legal reporting requirements.

How can I get involved with VARSH Foundation?

There are several meaningful ways to get involved with our work:

• Become a volunteer and contribute your time and skills
• Apply for membership for deeper engagement and leadership
• Make a donation to support our programs and initiatives
• Partner with us for collaborations and joint initiatives
• Attend our events and participate in campaigns
• Amplify our message on social media
• Advocate for our cause in your community

Visit our "Get Involved" section to explore these opportunities in detail.

How can I become a volunteer or member?

To become a volunteer or member of VARSH Foundation, please follow these steps:

1. Visit our website and navigate to the "Get Involved" section.
2. Select the "Become a Member" or "Volunteer" option, depending on your interest.
3. Fill out the application form with your details and answer the provided questions.
4. Submit your application.

Once we receive your application, our team will review it and contact you about next steps. For volunteers, we'll match your skills with current needs. For membership applications, there may be an interview process.

Why should I become a VARSH Member, and who can be a member?

By becoming a member, you can:

• Gain valuable leadership experience in the non-profit sector
• Participate in key organizational decision-making processes
• Expand your network with passionate advocates and professionals
• Access exclusive training and professional development opportunities
• Help shape VARSH's strategies and direction
• Make a deeper impact in combating gender-based violence
• Develop specialized skills in advocacy and social justice work

We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about our mission, share our values, and are committed to making a difference. This includes both long-term volunteers and newcomers who bring fresh perspectives and diverse skills.

Is there a difference between being a volunteer and a member?

Yes!

Volunteers contribute to specific projects and activities based on their availability and interests. This is a flexible way to support our work and is often the entry point for engagement with VARSH.

Members take on leadership roles, participate in organizational governance and decision-making, commit to longer-term engagement, and help guide VARSH's strategic direction. Membership involves a deeper level of commitment and offers more extensive opportunities for professional development and leadership.

Both roles are essential to our success and impact.

How do I apply?

To apply, complete our online application form through the "Get Involved" section of our website. The form will ask for your personal information, background, motivation, and how you hope to contribute to VARSH's mission. After submission, you'll receive a confirmation email, and our team will review your application. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or orientation session.

Is there a cost of applying to become a VARSH Member?

There is a non-refundable application fee of ₦1,000. This fee helps support the administrative costs of the application process, including interviews, training materials, and member onboarding. The fee demonstrates a level of commitment and helps us maintain the quality of our membership program. If the fee presents a financial hardship, please contact us as we may be able to offer fee waivers in certain circumstances.

What should I know before applying?

Before applying to be a volunteer or member of VARSH Foundation, here are important considerations:

• Mission alignment: Ensure our focus on combating sexual abuse and gender-based violence aligns with your values and interests.
• Commitment level: Consider the time and energy you can realistically commit. Membership requires more regular involvement than volunteering.
• Emotional readiness: Our work deals with sensitive and sometimes distressing topics. Reflect on your emotional capacity to engage with these issues.
• Learning attitude: We value individuals who are open to learning, growing, and sometimes challenging their own perspectives.
• Team orientation: Our work is collaborative and requires good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse team members.

If you're uncertain about any aspect of the application process, please contact us for clarification before applying.

Are there specific qualifications or skills required for membership?

While we don't have strict academic or professional requirements, we look for individuals who demonstrate:

• Passion for VARSH Foundation's mission and values
• Leadership potential or experience
• Commitment to personal and professional growth
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Creativity and problem-solving abilities
• Dedication to community service and social impact
• Integrity and respect for confidentiality
• Willingness to learn about gender-based violence issues

What additional hands-on skills are welcome?

These specialized skills can significantly enhance our work and may give your application an advantage:

• Project management expertise
• Graphic design and visual communication
• Content creation and copywriting
• Fundraising and grant writing experience
• Digital marketing and social media management
• Event planning and coordination
• Data analysis and research skills
• Website development or technical skills
• Training and facilitation experience
• Legal knowledge, especially related to gender-based violence
• Counseling or psychology background

Can I continue volunteering if I'm not selected as a member?

Absolutely!

Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, and your contributions remain incredibly valuable regardless of membership status. If not selected for membership, you can continue making a significant impact through our various volunteer programs. We provide all volunteers with meaningful engagement opportunities, training, and recognition for their contributions.

Additionally, you're welcome to reapply for membership in future cycles. We often provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants to help strengthen future applications. Many current members were initially volunteers who reapplied after gaining more experience with our work.

How can my organization partner with VARSH Foundation?

We welcome partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to ending gender-based violence. Partnership opportunities include:

• Joint campaigns and awareness initiatives
• Collaborative research and advocacy projects
• Cross-promotional activities
• Resource sharing and capacity building
• Corporate social responsibility programs
• Sponsorship of VARSH events and programs

To discuss partnership possibilities, please contact us at varshfoundationng@gmail.com with details about your organization and potential areas of collaboration. Our partnership team will respond to explore how we can work together effectively.

How can I donate to VARSH Foundation?

Your donations help sustain our programs and expand our impact. You can support our work through:

• One-time monetary donations through our website
• Recurring monthly contributions
• Sponsorship of specific programs or initiatives
• In-kind donations of needed supplies or services
• Corporate matching gift programs

All donations to VARSH Foundation are used responsibly and transparently to advance our mission. Visit our "Donate" page for specific donation methods and options. We provide receipts for all donations and regular updates on the impact of your support.

How can I stay updated on VARSH Foundation's activities and events?

Stay connected with our work through multiple channels:

• Follow us on social media platforms (@VARSHFoundation)
• Subscribe to our monthly newsletter
• Visit our website's News & Events section regularly
• Join our WhatsApp community for real-time updates
• Attend our virtual and in-person events

Our communications provide updates on campaigns, success stories, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support our mission.

How can I contact VARSH Foundation for more questions or assistance?

We're here to help and answer your questions through several channels:

• Email: varshfoundationng@gmail.com
• Contact form on our website
• Phone: [Phone number - during office hours]
• Social media direct messages

For general inquiries, our response time is typically 1-2 business days. For urgent matters related to abuse cases, we prioritize rapid response. All communications are handled with confidentiality and care.