2020
Matthew (Blaise) Nwozaku
- Age: 23
- | He/him/his, They/them/their
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We, as young people, owe it to ourselves to create a world where humans will not be discriminated against based on class, gender, sexuality, or religion. And the journey to this world starts now.
- Matthew (Blaise) Nwozaku
Bio
Matthew (Blaise) Nwozaku was born and raised in Nigeria. Blaise is working towards a Bachelor of Arts in English and Literary Studies at Alex Ekwueme Federal University. Blaise is a Trustee at ReportoutUK, a volunteer content creator at 9ja Queer City podcast, and a Peer Educator at Foundation for Better Health and Human Rights.
What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?
Being a student in our extremely misogynistic and exploitative educational institutions, particularly the university, afforded me the chance to witness institutional oppression on a level rarely seen outside. Witnessing sex for grades, the oppression of women, and the stringent policing of women's bodies impressed on me how strongly gender equality needs to be fought for. As a gay person, this moved me to action because I have always believed in the inherent freedom of persons to their bodies and physical expressions.
Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.
Being something of a social media sensation, I have a voice which I utilize in both advocating for gay rights and women's rights, being that women are equally or even more marginalized. In the North of Nigeria, underage girls are vulnerable and suffer abuse and rape due to laws that allow them marry early and does nothing to protect them at this vulnerable age. Last year I outed a religious leader. Thereby alerting the public to this horrific act and giving the young girl a chance to get the much needed help.
Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?
Dancing, reading, and writing.
Languages Spoken:
- English (Advanced/Native)
- Nigerian Pidgin English (Intermediate)
- Yoruba (Elementary)
- Nigerian Pidgin English (Intermediate)
Publications:
Speaks On:
- LGBTQ+ rights
- sex workers' rights
- GBV
Past Awards, Certifications, or Fellowships:
- Ignite Love Volunteering Certificate
- Restructure Africa Volunteering Certificate
- Chris Abani Poetry Workshop by Lagos Poetry Festival
- Kavbeh Akbar Poetry Workshop by Lagos Poetry Festival
- Fake News Webinar by The Bisi Alimi Foundation
- The Bisi Alimi Rainbow Academy and Best Graduating Student of Art in High School
