Country of Origin: Nigeria

Main Focus: Protection of Women and Children, Data sharing, Niger Delta

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Eucharia Uranta-Okonkwo is a dedicated advocate for women's and children's rights with over 12 years of experience, including leadership roles with international organizations and working at the United Nations. As a gender specialist, she has worked tirelessly to protect the rights of women and children in Nigeria, a country facing numerous socio-economic and political challenges that disproportionately affect these vulnerable groups.

Eucharia is currently a PhD student at the University of Ottawa, where she is expanding her academic knowledge in feminism, gender, and women's studies. This pursuit reflects her commitment to continuous learning and skill-building to enhance her advocacy work. Her presence in Canada is not one of exile but a strategic step to gather knowledge and build networks that can strengthen her efforts back home in Nigeria.

Her advocacy manifests in various forms, including her involvement with the Child Protection Network of Nigeria, where she advocates for children in need of immediate support. Her work with UNICEF as a Child Protection Specialist overseeing gender-based violence in emergencies and serving as a focal point in the prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation of children in emergency contexts highlight her dedication to protecting the most vulnerable.

Eucharia is also a key player in the Women's Peace and Security Network of Nigeria, promoting the inclusion of women in peace processes in line with UN Resolution 1325. Additionally, she participates in the Observatory Steering Committee, which documents cases of violence against women and children and provides them with necessary support.

In her quest to avoid duplicating efforts and to create a more coordinated approach to advocacy, Eucharia founded the Initiative for Data and Social Advancement (IDASA). This NGO aims to serve as a knowledge repository for the Niger Delta region, providing real-time data on violence against women and children to guide organizations and donors in their efforts to make a meaningful impact.

Eucharia's vision for IDASA is to become a trusted source of evidence for actors in the region, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and that the work of various organizations is complementary rather than redundant. Her goal is to establish a system that supports continuity and collaboration among NGOs, filling the gap left by the absence of a government institution dedicated to addressing gender-based violence.

Through her work, Eucharia has seen successes such as the establishment of peace clubs for young children in the Niger Delta region, which aim to steer them away from violence and militancy. Her efforts have led to children receiving funding for community peace-building projects and even pursuing higher education.

Looking ahead, Eucharia envisions IDASA as a central hub for accurate and timely information on the status of women and children in the Niger Delta. Her ambition is to create a structure that donors can rely on for evidence-based support, with the hope that IDASA will regularly disseminate newsletters highlighting current trends of violence against women and children.