So I’m celebrating Josephine “Joe” Obiajulu Okei- Odumakin today. Joe Odumakin is a Nigerian women’s rights activist. A phenomenal woman who is a huge inspiration to me. Joe Odumakin was born in Zaria, Nigeria on the 4th of July 1966. Joe Odumakin is the president of the rights groups “Women Arise for Change Initiative” and the “Campaign for Democracy.”
Joe Odumakin was involved with over 2,000 cases where a woman’s rights had been disregarded. Joe Odumakin has frequently been arrested for her activism, detained 17 times during the Military rule of Ibrahim Babangida. Joe Odumakin traversed courageously where men fear to tread. She remained consistent without minding the hazards to her person in a society where critical voices are loathed by unjust system which rewards the crook and punishes the just.
She has received several awards at the national and international levels. Too numerous to mention some of which are:
In 2007, the United Nations of Youth Nigeria gave her an award as the “Hero of Democracy and Good Governance.” In September 2010, the Priceless Jewels Initiative gave her an award as the “Champion of Women Empowerment.” In November 2010, International Institute for Humanitarian and Environmental Law gave her an award in recognition of her selfless service. In November 2011, National Association of Local Government students, Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University presented an Award of excellence to her as Grassroot Advancement Women Ambassador.
In March 2013 alone she received four International awards. On March 4th Allegheny Rich Fitzgerald County Executive made a proclamation, thanking and commending Dr Joe Odumakin for her work in promoting women’s rights and for her willingness to sacrifice for others. On the 6th of March 2013, American Women of International Understanding (AWIU) Washington D.C. United State of America presented her a certificate of recognition for her exemplary humanitarian efforts and her dedication in furthering human rights and dignity of women in Nigeria.
Joe Odumakin was presented an International Women of Courage Award from the United States Department of State. The award was made by Michelle Obama and John Kerry at the US State Department’s Dean Acheson Auditorium in celebration of International Women’s Day on the 8th of March 2013.
On the 15th of March 2013, Bob Filner of the city of San Diego-State of California presented her Neighbourhood Hero Award in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to their community. On the 18th of May 2013, Dr Joe Odumakin again received a “Special Recognition Award” from Women for Africa in the United Kingdom.
She is truly a source of inspiration and a phenomenal woman!
Please drop your comments below or send an email if you have inspiring stories to share with us here. Thanks.
Have a lovely weekend guys.
(http://womenarise.org.ng/about-dr-joe-okei-odumakin/)
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