Rights attorney, law teacher, gender equity advocate and social justice crusader, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi has been nominated into the United Nations Spotlight Initiative Global Reference Group for 2024-2026.
A statement signed by Wemimo Adewuni , Communication Manager , WARDC reads:
“We congratulate, The Founder, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC), and Director Center for Human Rights University of Lagos, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi over her nomination to the United Nations Spotlight Initiative Global Reference Group as a recognition of her immense dedication to the cause of women’s rights in Africa.
“A staunch gender rights advocate and law lecturer and practitioner, Dr Akiyode-Afolabi has led hundreds of projects from grassroots to national and international levels, earning her the title ‘The General’ and ‘The Mobilizer’ among CSO circles. This selection by Spotlight Initiative is a true testament to her dedication over two decades, to fighting for the rights of women and girls in Nigeria.
“Spotlight Initiative is a European Union and United Nations Secretary-General Flagship Initiative, a global partnership to eliminate violence against women and girls, working across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Pacific. Spotlight Initiative responds to all forms of violence against women and girls, including domestic violence, trafficking, sexual and economic exploitation, and other harmful practices.
“According to Spotlight Initiative, after an intense review of 140 applications, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi has been selected as one of 17 members of the Spotlight Initiative Global Reference Group.
“She will work with other global leaders across continents to bring a bigger fight against all forms of violence against women and girls by advising and holding Spotlight Initiative accountable to its commitments to civil society organizations.
“We congratulate Dr Akiyode-Afolabi and excitedly look forward to the great impact she will make in this new assignment, as always.”
