Scrolling through newspaper pages or listening to the news, it is not unusual to hear of child abuse and other sexual offences matters. Henrietta Nonye Odey has distinguished herself as a voice for the voiceless, a fighter and advocate for children's protection, sex education and sexual abuse. Her passion is contagious, it is evident in her personal brand and what she seeks to readdress.
Omote Ro Dhe inspired by Henrietta Nonye Odey's good works, caught up with her in an exclusive e-interview to undig more about her and what she is all about. Read excerpts from this interesting encounter below:
You are a positive change agent, one passionate about Child Protection Advocate, Body Safety Expert and Anti-GBV Campaigning. What influenced your interest in these areas?
There was a time in my life I was afraid to do anything. I didn't have a VOICE. I noticed the injustices around me but I only spoke in my closet, of course, there was no impact there. I was always angered by it, I wanted to do something but my fear kept me in bondage.
I felt it was for others, who were activists for these causes, not me?
They should continue with the fight.
My excuses were "I'm not a public speaker" "I'm shy" "I cannot change mindsets".
Those thoughts kept me silent for so long until I participated in a 3-day training, and the scales on my eyes fell off.
I immediately knew the exact thing I was supposed to do and it was to raise awareness. I wanted people to know how to protect and fight for themselves, and where to seek help if needed.
I worked in a health facility that catered to the needs of women, children and people living with HIV(PLHIV).
So I started raising awareness about gender-based violence right there in my office, then spread to other departments. Gradually I started going to different communities.
That was how my advocacy journey began.
The woman that was frightened to share her thoughts began public speaking and writing. The fear didn't just disappear, I started afraid.
My passion was greater so my fears couldn't keep me down. I went on to register for more training and courses to improve myself.
Nothing can stop me now, no negativity can bring me down. This is my purpose and I'll continue impacting my world as long as I live.
Congratulations on your RaiseDontRuin Campaign project that kicked off in February this year. You have been able to reach 277 Primary School pupils with 1 hour "Body Safety Education". Can you share what you hope to achieve with this project? The challenges and how you have been able to stay winning?
I'm passionate about the protection of children, I want them to THRIVE adequately. I and my team are working on building a happy and safe world for children through the #RaiseDontRuin campaign.
No child should have to experience any form of abuse.
I go to these schools to inspire confidence, to teach them about the power of having a VOICE and standing up for themselves in times of danger and actions to take if they ever find themselves in harmful situations.
At the end of this year, I hope to have impacted 3000 primary school children and their teachers with body safety education.
I aim to arm these children with knowledge and skills to prevent sexual abuse. I'm working to achieve a decline in the incidences of sexual violence in the state.
My Challenges;
A few schools rejected my proposal because they believe a child has no business being aware of the sexual ills in society. To them, ignorance is a form of protection. Sadly some parents assume this as well.
My passion is greater than non-acceptance, so I'm never discouraged.
More schools are reaching out because they understand the need for children to be empowered. Their feedback after the sessions are heartwarming and it keeps my fire burning.
As for the other schools that were not welcoming, I'll go back and try again for the sake of the children in it.
Most of the Headteachers that I discuss with see the fervour in me, it keeps them attentive.
I'm often asked about my WHY? And how I liked to be paid. They do not understand how I'm doing all these for FREE.
The fact they are willing to pay shows they know and want the value I bring through my Body Safety Academy(BSA).
They have shared the mission of BSA in their school owners' group and I'm wowed by their positive responses. My body safety tour in schools continues in May.
We live in a patriarchal society that limits women from attaining leadership positionslimits. You have been able to break that bias with the 20 Most Outstanding Women leaders honour. How can women attain more leadership positions at this age and what should they do in such positions?
It's simple, competence.
The oxford dictionary defines competence as "the ability to do something successfully or efficiently".
Competence makes you stand out, everyone sees it. It can never be hidden.
I encourage all women in all works of life to be competent, even people against you will be forced to recommend you. Be that good.
Women can work towards being competent if they are not. All it takes is investing in your personal and career growth. Be determined to achieve proficiency by using feedback to improve your skills and repetitions to gain mastery.
When women get to leadership positions, they must remember who they represent and the vulnerable who cannot speak for themselves. So as not to forget the tasks ahead. They must be ethical in all their dealings.
First, she has to break the chains of silence, then own her VOICE. When this happens she begins to use it unashamedly.
I hope every woman gets to that point because it is only then, they can happily live a life of impact.
To inspire change in a patriarchal society, a woman has to be true to herself.
She has to be willing to find her purpose regardless of societal dictates.
What are the ills in society that keeps her awake? What is she doing about them?
Is she ready to fight against the injustices in her community, not caring whose ox is gored in the process?
Is she ready to join her voice with other change-makers in the world?
Is she ready to be an ethical leader, even in this corrupt world?
If she can do all the above and answer these questions satisfactorily, she can be the change the world desperately needs.
It doesn't matter if she starts in her home, school, workplace, market, church, mosque, or any other place as long as she has this mindset, she will make a great impact.
Most times, the focus has been on empowering girls/women. How do we raise boys/men to support empowered girls/ women in our society?
Like they say "charity begins at home". Our upbringing has the power to make or mar us.
What kind of parents are raising boys?
Do they believe in patriarchy?
Are they deeply rooted in it?
These are important questions because to have a new breed of men who support empowered girls, there must be a renewal of mindsets.
Parents must unlearn harmful cultural norms and be willing to adopt and normalize equality.
When parents accept these teachings, boys have a chance of being raised as men who support women's advancement.
It's harder to imbibe these behaviours in adult men as compared to when they are kids. Though possible, it will be tougher.
So adults have a duty toward the children of the future but first, there has to be a change of perspectives.
Growing up in this region, a youth has many issues to contend with from unemployment, bad leadership, incessant school strikes, and peer pressure amongst others. What would you advise they do to make the most of the time? What is the one skill every youth should strive to have?
The growth mindset. It's a skill every youth should have.
With a growth mindset they take on challenges and are quick to learn. They are willing to try again even after a failure.
The skill makes them set both short and long term goals and develop plans to achieve them.
They are invested in their personal and career growth and things like the ASUU strike, bad leadership, peer pressure, unemployment etc don't keep them down.
They don't have an entitlement mentality, instead of waiting to be handfed, they go out to look for food. Youths with this skill insist on working for their needs.
You see them as volunteers, and interns ready to gain experience. Others learn high paying skills to make ends meet.
With a growth mindset giving up isn't an option. I believe everyone should have this skill.
Despite your involvement in your work, you still volunteer for worthy causes. How do you manage your time without burning out?
When I think about the vulnerable population, I'm eager to do more, to be more just for them. It isn't a walk in the park but I enjoy my time with them.
To avoid burning out, I have a timetable for the days I can avail myself of the causes I'm most passionate about, this ensures my work isn't affected, and I get my well-needed rest so as not to get mentally exhausted.
You describe yourself as an Ankara fanatic. Why do you have love for this contemporary fabric?
My Mum is a retired school teacher, those days she had an Ankara and Lace business. She travels to buy these items to resell in her shop, as her children we were allowed to come to her shop anytime.
Most times we help her to sell her goods. I always spent time looking at each piece of African print, I loved the designs, it spoke to me and continues to speak to me till today.
My mum always gifted me and my sisters some to sew, those were good times. To date, Ankara Fabric is one of the best present a friend or loved one can give to me.
So my love for this fabric started many years ago and it has inspired many people in different countries, they are fascinated by with I can do with them. I even have an online business with the name "Ankara Fanatic".
Success is relative. What does it mean to you? Who are some women that are your yardstick of being successful?
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Success for me isn't about financial wealth, it's deeper. It's working hard at being the best I can be. It's setting realistic goals and smashing them.
It is following the path I was called to, and being my true beautiful exquisite self.
It is impacting my world one day at a time.
Late Dora Akunyili will forever be my role model, she was true to herself and the people she was called to serve.
She is one of the most outstanding leaders the world has ever known. She was the symbol of truth and compassion.
She is my definition of a successful woman.
Dora never cared about acquiring monetary wealth, she was for the people. Her war against counterfeit medicine ensured millions of lives were saved from untimely death.
During her lifetime she received over 900 awards, that's the highest for any Nigerian.
All she cared about was saving lives, even when there were threats to her life, she fought on, she never stopped fighting for our safety.
I love you, Dora.
Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh is another definition of a successful woman.
She was instrumental in curbing the spread of the Ebola virus in Nigeria, it was no small feat.
Unfortunately, she lost her life to the virus. There were only 20 recorded cases of the Ebola virus all thanks to Dr Ameyo and her team who ensued the first case didn't leave the hospital.
Her goal was to prevent it's spread and I must say, she did a wonderful job.
May the souls of these amazing women continue to rest in peace. Amen.
What advice do you have for young women pursuing purpose?
Be true to yourself, forget the noise and negativity.
When you know your purpose half of the work is done. Stay on that path and excel.
On your journey don't be afraid to ask for help from people who have been where you are.
Invest in yourself, remember as you give out value you need to be recharged.
How can you be recharged?
By learning. Self and career development is something you cannot run away from.
Endeavour to take both free and paid training. Give your best always, you're worthy.
Don't be afraid to apply for positions that interest you. You can do it. I am rooting for you.
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