The United States says it remains committed to advancing women’s rights, as it named the Executive Director of Braveheart Initiative for Youth and Women (BHI), Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo, its 2024 Woman of Courage.
A statement by the US Mission in Nigeria said the March 27 award ceremony in Abuja recognised what it described as Usiobaifo’s two decades of unwavering contribution to reforming laws, dismantling socio-cultural norms and perpetuating gender-based violence in Nigeria.
United States Acting Deputy Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Art Brown said 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.
The award is part of activities celebrating the 2024 Women History Month, keeping with the US government’s commitment to recognise and celebrate individuals advancing gender equality and equity
The award recipient, Priscilla 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 they do”
She described her recognition as a testament that no matter where you are and what you do your work, your work speaks, and it speaks very loudly.
Usiobaifo said she sees the award as a spur to do more for women girls and children in marginalised communities in Nigeria.
Senate Committee Chairperson on Women Affairs, Senator Ireti Kingibe, commended the US government for the recognition, saying it will motivate other young women, The Woman of Courage award recognises women who have taken unusual risks, surmounted significant obstacles, challenged harmful practices, fought discrimination or disinformation in their efforts to defend and promote progress in their societies.
Editor Oloyede Oworu
