By Mercy Musa
Joy Oluwatoyin Adeboye, a recent graduate of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, has emerged as one of the top 35 finalists for the 2024 .ORG Global Impact Awards in the United States of America.
The star prize was awarded to exceptional individuals who have made a significant impact on learning, the lives of their peers, and society beyond.
The .ORG Impact Awards is a global awards program dedicated to recognising and celebrating outstanding individuals and organisations worldwide for their positive contributions to their sectors, communities, and society at large.
Public Interest Registry (PIR), the organisation behind the .ORG domain selected 35 finalists from over 1,700 applications from more than 87 countries for the 6th annual .ORG Impact Awards across seven categories.
On their social media handle, the organisation congratulated Joy, saying, "Joy Oluwatoyin Adeboye, founder of Resilient Girl Initiative, is a 2024 #OIA Rising Star finalist! Resilient Girl Initiative is feminist-led .ORG supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and empowering girls and women."
At 22 years old, Joy was the youngest among the selected finalists. She was also the only female in the Rising Stars category, which recognises leaders under 25 making a difference in their community and society.
In an interview with Echo Media, Joy, a recent philosophy graduate from Adekunle Ajasin University, said, "I feel overwhelmed. After over 1,700 applicants from nearly 90 countries, I must be sincere – I didn't imagine it would come easily."
Joy added, "Although I was recognised for my transformative and exceptional work in advancing women's and girls' rights, especially on leadership and ending violence against women and girls in Nigeria and Africa."
According to her, surviving rape and child labour at age 14 influenced her life's work promoting gender equality. "This tragedy took away the best part of my teenage life and led me to attempt suicide due to mental health disorders."
"I began making an impact at age 15 because I needed to be a voice for other young girls like me facing various forms of injustice," Joy said. "I want my life to inspire young girls, regardless of the abuse they've suffered, to become great women. I also urge victims to speak out to people who can help."
Joy credited Adekunle Ajasin University with bringing out the best in her learning, leadership, and character. "My university and lecturers gave me everything I needed to turn my dreams into reality."
As a young feminist and women's rights activist, Joy remains committed to advancing leadership capacity among women and girls and ending gender-based violence against females in Nigeria and Africa.
As one of the 35 global finalists for the 2024 .ORG Impact Award in Washington, D.C., Joy recently attended the celebration in Washington, D.C.
0 replies:
Post a Comment