FIVE Nigerian women have been recognised among the top 100 most inspiring men and women who have committed themselves to improving the lives of women around the world.
The landmark event is part of activities to mark the 100th anniversary of the International Women's Day (March by Women Deliver- an international global advocacy organisation that brings together voices from around the world to call for improved health and well being for girls and women.
Those being honored are Saudatu Sani, Advocacy Nigeria Chair and Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on MDGs; Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, Founder, African Women's Development Fund and African Women's Leadership Institute and Rolake Odetoyinbo, Director, Positive Action for Treatment Access (PATA).
Others are Prof. Olufunmilayo Olopade of the University of Chicago and MD World Bank, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Saudatu Sani, was recognized for ability to convince the Nigerian government that investing in women pays.
She led the fight to make women's health a priority, and inspired the government to create a budget line dedicated to "reducing the maternal mortality rate," a critical first step in increasing funding. As chair of Advocacy, Nigeria, she works to expand free emergency obstetric care and fund reproductive health services.
On her part, Bisi Adeleye - Fayemi, has trained over 1,000 women from across the continent to lead community-based organizations was recognized as a true leader who sees potential in other women, and will not rest until she sees that potential fulfilled.
Since learning that she is HIV-positive, Rolake Odetoyinbo has inspired countless other women to do the same. An advocate for HIV treatment, she trains HIV-positive volunteers as health educators, and works with doctors to reach out to those needing treatment.
Olufunmilayo Olopade, founding director of the Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics at the University of Chicago, has spent the past two decades trying to find out why breast cancers in women of African heritage often originate in different cells, and require different treatments. Last but not least, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is an outspoken advocate for gender equality, she is a powerful example and a fierce advocate for women on the world stage.
Vanguard
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