By Oluwaseun Ikusika, Gender and Child Advocate

From a young age, I have always been passionate about the pursuit of justice. Those who knew me growing up would readily testify to my unwavering desire to become a lawyer and advocate for those in need. While my mother envisioned a future for me in pharmacy, she ultimately supported my decision when I expressed my intent to pursue law instead.

When I relocated to the U.K. and began my law studies, I felt a profound sense of purpose wash over me. It was a pivotal moment as I immersed myself in the law and began working at a law firm during my second year of university. This real-world experience proved invaluable, allowing me to not only apply my academic knowledge but also self-teach many practical skills essential for my future career. It became clear that my passion lay in family law, particularly in advocating for victims of domestic violence. I focused my efforts on helping these individuals obtain orders of protection, providing them with the safety and support they desperately needed.

However, an intrinsic feeling urged me to do even more. I took the significant step of stepping back from my entrepreneurial ventures to fully commit to my advocacy work. In early 2023, I enrolled in various courses offered by United Nations bodies, including UNICEF, UNGEI, and IOM. This educational pursuit opened my eyes to a broader understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each day, as I processed the knowledge I was acquiring, I became increasingly aware of the pressing need for global education on critical issues.

I often found myself reflecting on how I could effectively teach and advocate to raise awareness and make a meaningful impact. After much contemplation, I resolved to start writing articles focusing on global issues. My first piece on domestic violence garnered an enthusiastic response, reaching around 800 readers. This positive feedback fueled my motivation to continue publishing more articles.

The escalating conflict in Gaza further galvanized my commitment to advocacy, prompting me to focus specifically on advocating for SDGs 04 (Quality Education), 05 (Gender Equality), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

In early 2024, I embraced a new role as a Youth Ambassador with Theirworld, which enabled me to deepen my commitment to advocating for children’s education and rights. The same year marked my entry into the United Nations sphere, where I authored an article for UN publications and served as a youth delegate at several conferences. I also took on the role of a legal expert for civil society, reviewing progress related to gender equality across the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) countries.

As part of my advocacy efforts, I organized my inaugural event on the International Day of the Girl Child in 2024, which turned out to be a resounding success. Throughout this journey, I have remained dedicated to supporting individuals affected by gender-based violence (GBV). By 2024, I reached a significant milestone, having assisted over 200 victims in obtaining orders of protection from their abusers.

The journey thus far has been anything but easy, filled with challenges and obstacles. However, it has solidified my determination to continue this essential work until I see meaningful progress toward gender equality and quality education for all. My advocacy efforts will not wane; I remain steadfast in my mission to make a difference in the lives of those affected by these pressing issues.