Women’s Rights: CSOs Celebrate As UNILAG Law Lecturer Lands UN Job

Nigeria has once again made positive history in global circles by nominating Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, a well-known gender activist and Womanifesto Convener, to the United Nations Spotlight Initiative Global Reference Group (2024-2026).

The nomination, which recognises her immense dedication to the cause of women’s rights in Africa, is said to have elicited excitement among Nigeria’s human rights community.

Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Founder of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) and Director, Centre for Human Rights, University of Lagos, is a staunch gender rights advocate, law lecturer, and practitioner who has led hundreds of projects at the grassroots, national, and international levels, earning her the titles ‘The General’ and ‘The Mobilizer’ in CSO circles.

She was also a former Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Students Union Government (SUG) at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

According to WARDC’s Communication Manager, Wemimo Adewumi, the Spotlight Initiative’s selection is a true testament to her two decades of dedication to fighting for the rights of women and girls in Nigeria.

According to the Spotlight Initiative, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi was chosen as one of 17 members of the Spotlight Initiative Global Reference Group following a thorough review of 140 applications.

Adewumi stated that she will collaborate with other global leaders from various continents to increase the fight against all forms of violence against women and girls by advising and holding the Spotlight Initiative accountable for its commitments to civil society organisations.

She stated, “The Spotlight Initiative is a global partnership between the European Union and the United Nations Secretary-General to end violence against women and girls in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Pacific.”

“The Spotlight Initiative addresses all types of violence against women and girls, including domestic violence, trafficking, sexual and economic exploitation, and other harmful practices.

“We congratulate Dr Akiyode-Afolabi and eagerly anticipate the significant impact she will have in this new assignment, as always.”