The Grace Agbonlahor Foundation (GAF) is thrilled to announce the winner of our “Speak Up and Act: A Community Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence” challenge, held as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. After receiving several incredible entries and an intense social media tie-breaker, Khaleela Ndidi emerged as the winner!
Khaleela’s Campaign: A Voice for the Voiceless
Khaleela, a passionate advocate for social change, stood out with her two-day sensitisation outreach in Rivers State. Using creatively designed posters, she engaged her community to raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Her efforts didn’t just inform—they sparked meaningful conversations and inspired action. Through bold messages like “Stop Violence Against Women” and “Treat GBV as a Crime, Not a Culture,” Khaleela’s campaign resonated deeply with the people she reached.
Reflecting on her journey, Khaleela shared:
“The experience I had while taking part in this challenge was a balanced mix of bliss and dead ends, in what sense? While a lot of people I approached were welcoming and cooperative, a few were not open to the idea of being recorded, and some had opposite views. But regardless, I was able to face the whole thing with a healthy dose of confidence and excitement.”
Her determination and creativity made a significant impact, and her ability to adapt to challenges showcased the strength of her advocacy.
The Social Media Tie-Breaker
Khaleela was one of four exceptional finalists whose campaigns stood out for their creativity, impact, and engagement. She tied with Akinola Shukurat, Lysa Ojoka, and Oghogho Osariemen, all of whom delivered inspiring campaigns:
- Akinola Shukurat empowered children in Isolo, Lagos, by teaching them about GBV and how to seek help.
- Lysa Ojoka, in Benin City, used videos and posters to educate her community about GBV and encourage action.
- Oghogho Osariemen leveraged social media to raise awareness and drive online dialogue on GBV in Lagos State.
To determine the winner, GAF allowed social media engagement across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter (now X) to decide. It was a tight contest, but Khaleela’s campaign garnered the highest total engagements, crowning her the champion.
A Well-Deserved Prize
As the winner of the “Speak Up and Act” challenge, Khaleela received the N50,000 grand prize, a Certificate of Achievement, and the recognition as a Young Advocate for Change. But for her, the victory meant so much more than the accolades.
“I am totally elated after finding out that I’ve been selected as the winner of the 2024 GBV campaign. Aside from the prize money, women’s rights is something I’m very passionate about, and it gives me great joy that my commitment has been acknowledged by such a reputable platform,” Khaleela said.
“This is basically the encouragement I’ve been needing to take my activism to a more public level, and for that, I am grateful.”
Looking to the Future
Khaleela’s win has not only affirmed her advocacy efforts but also inspired her to dream bigger. She plans to use her prize money to invest in equipment to kickstart a podcast or blog focusing on women’s rights.
“Basically, we’re in a digital age, and more impact is created via social media these days. I plan to use my prize money to get equipment to aid the kickstart of my podcast/blog that’ll be dealing with women’s rights,” she explained.
Her participation in the challenge has also strengthened her resolve to continue volunteering and engaging in activities that promote the rights of women and children.
“I know that I’ll become more vocal about my beliefs, and I aim to sensitise more people as time goes by,” Khaleela shared with determination.
Celebrating All Participants
While Khaleela emerged as the winner, GAF applauds the efforts of all participants. Each campaign amplified the message of the 16 Days of Activism and demonstrated the power of grassroots and digital advocacy in addressing GBV.
Join Us in the Fight Against GBV
Khaleela’s story reminds us that change starts with one voice, one action, and one determined individual. GAF remains committed to empowering young advocates and creating platforms for their voices to be heard.
Congratulations to Khaleela Ndidi, our champion for change! And a big thank you to all participants, supporters, and community members who joined us in this campaign. Together, we can make a difference.
