Synopsis (30–40 words)
Women leaders across Africa and institutions continue to champion justice, inclusive development, and social transformation. Today’s spotlight recognizes Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, the collaborative philanthropy of Co-Impact, and grassroots advocacy led by Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo.
Woman of Impact
Joy Ngozi Ezeilo — Nigeria
“Human rights are universal, and the dignity of women and girls must be protected everywhere.” — Joy Ngozi Ezeilo
Joy Ngozi Ezeilo is one of Africa’s foremost advocates for women’s rights and social justice. A distinguished legal scholar and activist, she has dedicated decades to advancing gender equality, combating human trafficking, and strengthening access to justice for vulnerable communities.
Ezeilo founded the Women’s Aid Collective, a pioneering organisation providing legal aid and protection for women and girls facing violence and discrimination. Through WACOL’s work, thousands of survivors have received legal representation, counselling, and empowerment support.
Her global influence expanded when she served as the United Nations, where she advocated internationally for stronger protections for victims of trafficking.
Through scholarship, advocacy, and institution building, Ezeilo continues to shape policy conversations across Africa, inspiring a generation of activists and legal professionals committed to defending human dignity and advancing gender justice.
Organisation of Impact
Co-Impact
“Lasting social change happens when governments, civil society, and philanthropy work together at scale.” — Co-Impact
The Co-Impact is a global initiative dedicated to advancing large-scale social change through partnerships that strengthen health, education, and economic opportunity systems. By bringing together philanthropists, development partners, and governments, Co-Impact supports long-term programmes designed to transform institutions that serve millions of people.
Across Africa and other regions, the organisation invests in initiatives that improve public systems and promote inclusive development. A major focus of its work is strengthening leadership and institutions that deliver essential services, ensuring that reforms reach communities most in need.
Co-Impact also supports women’s leadership through programmes that empower female leaders to shape policy and drive systemic change within public institutions. By prioritising collaboration, evidence-based solutions, and long-term investment, the organisation continues to contribute to sustainable development and equitable opportunities across the Global South.
Young Woman of Impact
Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo — Nigeria
“Grassroots advocacy is the key to changing deeply rooted cultural practices and ensuring women’s rights are upheld.” — Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo
Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo is one of Nigeria’s most courageous grassroots feminists championing gender justice in rural communities. She is the founder and Executive Director of the BraveHeart Initiative for Youth and Women, a feminist organisation advancing sexual and reproductive health rights and combating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Through BraveHeart Initiative, Usiobaifo has led interventions in over 200 sexual violence cases, helping secure more than 20 convictions of sex offenders while providing survivors with legal, medical, and psychosocial support.
Her organisation has also created safe spaces for survivors, trained young feminist leaders in rural communities, and expanded sexuality education programmes for adolescents.
Recognised globally, she was named among Apolitical’s 100 Most Influential People in Gender Policy (2021) and received the U.S. Mission Nigeria Woman of Courage Award (2024) for her decades-long advocacy against gender-based violence.
Through fearless grassroots activism, Usiobaifo continues to amplify the voices of rural women and girls while pushing for stronger laws and accountability against sexual violence in Nigeria.
