•Confers ‘Woman of Courage’ award on Usiobaifo
Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Ugo Aliogo in Lagos
The United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, has restated its commitment to advancing women’s rights, even as it named the Executive Director of Braveheart Initiative for Youth and Women (BHI), Ms. Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo, as its 2024 Woman of Courage.
A statement by the US Diplomatic Mission, noted that the March 27 award ceremony in Abuja, recognised Usiobaifo’s two decades of unwavering contribution to reforming laws and dismantling socio-cultural norms perpetuating gender-based violence in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Art Brown, revealed that preventing and responding to all forms of gender-based violence was a cornerstone of the United States government’s commitment to promoting democracy and advancing human rights, as it works with Nigerian partners to dismantle the barriers and impediments to gender equality.
“This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Invest in women: accelerate progress.’ I’m proud of the United States government’s longstanding investment in women.
“Together with the government of Nigeria and our local partners, we have made significant investments in the lives of Nigerian women and girls, particularly in health, enterprise, and ending all forms of gender-based violence,” he added.
The US Embassy conferred the award as part of activities celebrating the 2024 Women History Month, in keeping with the US government’s commitment to recognise and celebrate individuals advancing gender equality and equity.
Brown added: “This year’s International Women’s Day theme calls on all stakeholders to prioritise women and girls. Ending all forms of gender-based violence requires a whole-of-society approach to address the deep-seated socio-cultural norms underlying gender-based violence in Nigeria.
“Today, we’re delighted to celebrate and amplify the work of a woman who is a fierce advocate for women’s rights.”
In her acceptance remarks, Usiobaifo, lauded the US Mission for spotlighting her work and pledged to do more for women and girls.
According to her, “Young women, especially those who work in rural communities, can be unrecognised because of the locality of the work that we do. But here I am today as a testament that no matter where you are and where you do your work, your work speaks, and it speaks very loudly.
“I want to see this as a spur to do more for women for girls, for children in marginalised communities in Nigeria. I hope that an award like this will inspire government to become more accountable to their citizens and to promote justice for survivors of gender-based violence in Nigeria.”
Senate Committee Chairperson on Women Affairs, Senator Ireti Kingibe, commended the US Embassy for the recognition, adding that it would motivate other young women to continue to do their best.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, Mrs. Dayo Benjamin-Laniyi, congratulated Usiobaifo for her courage and reiterated the commitment of the FCT to end gender-based violence.
The Woman of Courage award recognises women who have taken unusual risks, surmounted significant obstacles, challenged harmful practices, and/or fought discrimination or disinformation in their efforts to defend and promote progress in their societies.
