Biography:
Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi is a renowned Nigerian lawyer and civil rights activist. Born in Kwara State, she spent her formative years in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. Akiyode-Afolabi embarked on her journey in human rights activism while studying Law at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife, where she served as the first female public relations officer.
Deeply committed to addressing issues related to gender-based violence and policy advocacy, Akiyode-Afolabi founded the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC) in 2002 upon returning to Nigeria after completing her studies at the University of Notre Dame Law School in Indiana, USA. WARDC is a non-governmental organization that strives to promote women’s rights, human rights, governance, and the rule of law.
Akiyode-Afolabi’s dedication to the advancement of women’s rights led her to become a leading figure in various organizations and networks. She serves as an executive board member of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding and the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in the Gender and Constitution Reform Network (GECORN), which she co-founded in 2003.
In 2016, Akiyode-Afolabi’s invaluable contributions to civil society were acknowledged when she was elected as the chairman of The Monitoring Group (TMG), a coalition of 400 civil society organizations. This appointment marked a significant milestone as she became the second woman to lead TMG, following in the footsteps of Ayo Obe from the Civil Liberties Organization in the 1990s.
A strong advocate for safe and secure schools in North East Nigeria, Akiyode-Afolabi actively participates in the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) movement. Her involvement in the movement signifies her unwavering commitment to ensuring the well-being and education of girls in Nigeria.
Akiyode-Afolabi’s legal expertise has been instrumental in delivering justice and protection for victims of violence. In a groundbreaking case, as the Executive Director of WARDC, she successfully obtained a favorable judgment against Nigeria in the domestic violence case of Mary Sunday v. Nigeria. The case was brought before the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Court) in 2018.
In another notable instance, Akiyode-Afolabi represented Monica Osagie, a student at the Obafemi Awolowo University who was sexually harassed by Prof. Richard Iyiola Akindele, a lecturer in the accounting department. Her legal advocacy ensured that justice was served in this case, highlighting the importance of addressing sexual harassment in educational institutions.
Additionally, Akiyode-Afolabi contributes to academia as a faculty member at the University of Lagos, where she teaches International Humanitarian Law. Her expertise in this field further enhances her ability to educate and empower the next generation of law professionals.
Awards:
– The International League for Human Rights, USA recognized Akiyode-Afolabi’s remarkable contributions by naming her a recipient of the 1999 Defenders’ Day Awards. Her dedication and commitment to human rights have been celebrated on an international level.
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