Nigeria’s candidate to the United Nations Convention on Elimination of all Forms of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (UN-CEDAW), Ms. Theodora Oby Nwankwo, was today, elected to the prestigious UN Committee to continue championing the cause of Liberty, Freedom, Justice and Equality for Women and every girl-child in Nigeria and around the world.

In the course of her career, in both the public and private sectors, as well as in the non-governmental and inter-governmental organizations, Ms. Nwankwo has continued to be a strong voice on women issues and its advocacy, promoting gender equality, youth empowerment, and also providing paralegal services to the less privileged.

In her entire career, Ms. Nwankwo has proven worthy to represent Nigeria in this capacity. Her track record of success is evident in her dedication and selflessness. In Nigeria, she has continued to coordinate legislative advocacy for domestication of CEDAW and the Protocol on the African Charter on the rights of Women. Ms. Nwankwo has authored over 30 publications on issues relating to human rights, gender equality and good governance.

The election to the CEDAW Committee was through an intense electoral process, as Nigeria contested alongside twenty four (24) other Member-States for eleven seats on the Committee.

The Government of Nigeria is supportive of the continuing efforts of Ms. Oby Nwankwo, which will now be manifested in CEDAW and wishes her the very best, as she brings fresh perspectives to the work of the Committee.