2020
Queen-Esther Ode
- Age: 30
- | She/her/hers
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It is an established fact that empowering women in the economy and closing gender gaps across all sectors will foster sustainable growth and development. So, let us strive to achieve this goal together and leave no one behind.
- Queen-Esther Ode
Bio
Queen-Esther Ode is a seasoned Project Manager, Sustainability Expert and an advocate for the rights of women and girls in society. She has a Master’s Degree in Economics from the World Bank African Center of Excellence, Nigeria, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Over the course of her life, she has always been passionate about the girl child and how to support courses that are aimed at advancing the growth and development of women/girls. This led her to volunteer in various capacities with some non-profit organizations in order to contribute her quota to the advancement of this all-important cause.
She has been able to lead advocacies geared towards raising awareness on the dangers of gender-based violence, Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR), ensuring sustainable best practices in order to reduce the impact of global warming and various empowerment programs with positive impact on women and girls.
Queen-Esther recently relocated to Canada permanently, and is working towards continuing this advocacy through various local non-profit organizations within the region.
What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?
I grew up in a society that did not place a high value on the ideas and opinions of women/girls. They were automatically banished to be homemakers and told not to aim for the top because it will be pointless since they will still end up being wives and mums. I watched women around me, who despite their qualifications and wealth of experience, struggled daily with this gender disparity, working low paid jobs with no glimpse of hope for better economic opportunities. This ignited my pursuit for gender equality.
Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.
When I led my team to provide sensitization and awareness programs for 135 girls in three secondary schools in Abuja, Nigeria. This sensitization also included 30 market women with a focus on knowing their rights and actionable steps to take when they are violated or see any girl or women being violated.
Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?
Traveling to discover new places, cycling, singing, and watching documentaries.
Languages Spoken:
- English (Advanced/Native)
Speaks On:
- Women’s rights are human rights
- Creating Equitable and Sustainable Communities
Past Awards, Certifications, or Fellowships:
- PECB Certified ISO 26000 (2020)
