fbpx
EntertainmentNews

Aisha Yesufu, Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim make BBC 100 Women of 2020

The BBC has revealed its list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2020.

This year 100 Women is highlighting those who are leading change and making a difference during these turbulent times.

The list includes Sanna Marin, who leads Finland’s all-female coalition government, Michelle Yeoh, star of the new Avatar and Marvel films and Sarah Gilbert, who heads the Oxford University research into a coronavirus vaccine.

And in an extraordinary year – when countless women around the world have made sacrifices to help others – one name on the 100 Women list has been left blank as a tribute.

Two Nigerian women made the list

Two Nigerian activists were selected among the 100 Women of 2020 by the BBC. They are Bring Back Our Girls / EndSARS activist, Aisha Yesufu and LGBTQ avtivist, Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim.

Aisha Yesufu

Aisha Yesufu is a Nigerian activist demanding good governance in her country.

Aisha Yesufu

She is co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign, launched in response to the 2014 abduction of more than 200 girls from a secondary school in Chibok, Nigeria, by the militant group Boko Haram.

She was also a prominent participant in the “EndSars” protests, during which saw Nigerians take to the streets to demand greater accountability from the Nigerian Police Force, beginning with the dissolution of the controversial Special Anti Robbery Squad (Sars) members of which have been accused of the murder, rape and robbery of civilians.

My advice to women is to fully and unapologetically take their place in the world. Women should stop asking for a place at the table – they should create their own table.

Aisha Yesufu

Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim

Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim

Uyaiedu Ipke-Etim is a feminist film-maker, director and LGBTQ+ activist, who has committed herself to creating stories about marginalised groups in Nigeria.

Her film Ifẹ́, which means “love” in Yoruba, tells the story of two Nigerian lesbians navigating the harsh, homophobic realities of the country they live in. Following the announcement of the film’s impending release, it has faced state censorship in Nigeria where homosexuality remains an extremely contentious issue.

Women, please keep taking up space and don’t stop telling the stories of those whose voices have been taken from them.

Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim

Back to top button

Discover more from Dateline Nigeria

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading