Josephine Odumakin, Nigerian Women's Rights Activist

The mantra from the 70's was to "Think globally, act locally".  In that vein, for today's Women History Month post, I today offer Josephine Odumakin, another International Women of Courage.  You can read more about her work at

http://www.bellanaija.com/2013/03/11/a-courageous-woman-nigerian-human-rights-activist-josephine-odumakin-honoured-with-the-2013-united-state-secretary-of-states-international-woman-of-courage-award/

and a revised Wikipedia bio follows.

Peace.

***

Josephine "Joe" Obiajulu Okei-Odumakin is a Nigerian women's rights activist. She is the president of the rights groups Women Arise for Change Initiative and the Campaign for Democracy. 

Odumakin was born in Zaria, Kaduna, on July 4, 1966.  She grew up in a Roman Catholic household. She received a bachelor's degree in English Education in 1987, followed by a master's in Guidance and Counseling and a doctorate in History and Policy of Education from the University of Ilorin.  She has frequently been arrested for her activism, especially during the military rule of Ibrahim Babangida, and she met her future husband, Yinak Odumakin, while in prison.

In 2013, Odumakin was presented an International Women of Courage Award from the United States Department of State.