The inaugural Freedom Awards and Gala event which held on Dec 17 at Four Points by Sheraton announced winners consisting of social activists passionate about issues like women rights, gender fluidity, feminism and domestic violence.
Nominations for The Freedom Awards 2019 which opened and closed a just days ago saw entries pour in for the various announced categories.
A brainchild of The Initiative for Equal Rights, the inaugural award recognized and awarded the efforts of individuals and organizations in Human Rights Activism in Nigeria by honouring those individuals, organizations, agencies or brands who are working to create an equal society free from discrimination and marginalization.
Find below some of the winners of the 2019 Freedom Award.
AKE BOOK & ART FESTIVAL
Ake Festival won the Allyship Award for being a safe space for people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities in Nigeria, and for being intentional about starting much needed conversations.
VINCENT DESMOND
The amazing @vincentdesmond_ wins The Young Activist Award for his media advocacy and starting new conversations around issues concerning LGBTI+ issues in Nigeria.
DOROTHY AKENA
Dorothy Aken’Ova wins The Trailblazer Award for her groundbreaking work for the last 20 years on sexual and reproductive health and rights, and human rights generally.
KIKI MORDI
Kiki Mordi wins The Freedom Fighter Award for her work exposing sexual harassment in universities with the @bbcafrica Sex For Grades Documentary.
KAYODE ANI
Kayode Ani for his tireless work to bring light to issues surrounding Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Sex Characteristics. Congrats to Kayode Ani as he wins the SOGIESC Activist of The Year Award!
KEIRA HEWATCH
Keira Hewatch wins the Womens Rights Activist Of The Year Award in recognition of her heroic rescue of Ene who was stranded at Ajah. Ene is now healthy and reunited with her family.
About The Initiative for Equal Rights
The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs) is a Nigeria-based registered non-for-profit organisation working to create a society where human rights are guaranteed regardless of status, identity, orientation and affiliation.
