Joe Okei-Odumakin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joe Okei-Odumakin
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|---|---|
Odumakin in March 2013
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| Born |
Josephine Obiajulu Okei
4 July 1966 Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria
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| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Women's rights activist |
| Spouse(s) |
Yinka Odumakin
(m. 1997; died 2021) |
Josephine Obiajulu Okei-Odumakin, born on July 4, 1966, is a brave Nigerian activist. She works hard to protect the rights of women. She leads two important groups: Women Arise for Change Initiative and the Campaign for Democracy.
Contents
Her Early Life
Josephine Okei-Odumakin was born in Zaria, a city in Kaduna, Nigeria. She grew up in a Roman Catholic family.
Her Education
She studied at the University of Ilorin. In 1987, she earned her first degree in English Education. Later, she received a master's degree in Guidance and Counseling. She also earned a doctorate in History and Policy of Education.
Standing Up for Rights
Dr. Odumakin is known for her strong activism. She has been arrested many times for her work. During the military rule of Ibrahim Babangida, she was held 17 times.
She helped in over 2,000 cases where women's rights were ignored. This included sad situations where women or their husbands were killed by police. She also helped when children's rights were not respected by schools or hospitals.
Important Awards and Training
International Recognition
In 2013, Dr. Odumakin received a special award. It was the International Women of Courage Award. The United States Department of State gave her this honor. Michelle Obama and John Kerry presented the award. This happened during the celebration of International Women's Day.
Helping Other Groups
In 2019, Dr. Odumakin led a training workshop. It was for civil society organizations. The workshop helped groups learn how to be more professional. It also taught them how to work better and solve problems. This training helps many groups make a positive difference.
Her Many Roles
Dr. Odumakin holds many important positions. She is the executive director of the Institute of Human Rights & Democratic Studies. She also founded the Women Arise for Change Initiative. She chairs the Task Force of the Citizen Forum.
She is also the president of the Centre for Change in Community Development & Public Awareness. And she leads the Centre for Participatory Democracy. She speaks for many civil society groups in Nigeria. People see her as a courageous fighter. She has always challenged unfair treatment of people. This has put her in difficult situations under tough governments in Nigeria.
Her Family Life
Dr. Odumakin was married to Peter Yinka Odumakin. He passed away in 2021. They got married in 1997. Their first child, a girl, was born in 2000. Their second child, a boy, was born in 2003. Their daughter was named after Joe. Their son was named Abraham, after a respected leader.
