Wura Ayodele
We interviewed Wura Ayodele, a feminist lawyer, women’s rights activist, and STAND Alumna from the first Changemakers Academy, who shared her journey of advocacy, the challenges she’s faced, and the impact of her work. She offers powerful insights on gender-based violence, supporting survivors, and inspiring future changemakers.
Watch the interview here.
When Wura Ayodele came across the STAND Changemakers Academy in late 2023, something clicked. As a feminist lawyer and women’s rights activist from Nigeria, she had spent over a decade amplifying the voices of women, especially in rural and urban communities where those voices often go unheard.
I have worked around promoting feminism for everyone, in terms of ensuring that women have their voices amplified and respected by communities. In summary, I want to represent not just myself but every woman who cannot speak for herself or who speaks but struggles to be heard.
So when she saw an open call to apply for the Changemakers Academy, she didn’t hesitate. “It was a fantastic opportunity, and as a changemaker, I always love to be involved in things like that.”
The programme quickly became more than a training for her: Wura describes it as a moment of reflection that brought her back to her roots.
I think for the very first time, I was able to go back into what home represented, what home meant for me and just dig deep into conversations around why I started the work that I do and why I am who I am now.
For one session, participants brought an object that symbolised “home” or their cause. Wura brought a scarf which reminded her of her grandmother and mother, both community activists. It was a defining moment. “That was really a powerful moment for me because for the first time, I thought deeply about my history and how I got to that point.”
But the learning went far beyond personal growth.
“Not only did I have the chance to share my lived experiences as an activist, but beyond that, I was also able to learn quite a few valuable lessons both from STAND and from the other participants.”
One of those lessons was about turning vision into reality. “Sometimes you have an idea and it's just so huge. You don't know where to start. You don't know how to break it down. You don't know who to be in touch with. But what I learnt from STAND was really helpful in this sense.”
She also discovered how to rally others around her cause. “Another useful lesson I learnt during the Changemakers Training is how to get people to become interested in your idea and support it. Since then, I've been able to do that a lot, and that's really helped my work.”
Wura still stays connected to STAND. Recently, she returned to speak with the next cohort of changemakers about her journey, her struggles, ideas, and how she brought them to life.
“I remember after that, there were some changemakers who were crying, some walked up to me, some hugged me. It was amazing just being in that community again!”
STAND may have helped Wura sharpen her focus, but her fire was already burning. Years ago, while practising law in a region with high rates of child marriage, something shifted in her.
“Seeing those girls who couldn’t even begin to grasp what their future might hold, while culture overshadowed everything they ever wanted, was deeply stressful for me. I remember thinking: ‘No, this needs to change!’”
“It’s easy to tell a woman to leave when she’s experiencing abuse, but many don’t consider where she will go or the support she needs. She has to think about housing, money, her children (if she has any), her health, etc...”
Today, Wura’s organisation offers legal aid, medical care, housing support, and more, all grounded in research and advocacy.
“Right now, I’m sitting in the only women's shelter in our state, serving millions of people. That, to me, is an achievement no one can take away.”
We asked Wura what her advice is for someone who is thinking about joining STAND and she said:
"My advice? Join as many STAND Programmes as you can! STAND offers incredible programs on human rights, global issues, and specialised topics. They’re available year-round, and many are virtual, making participation easy. Just check the website for open programs and sign up—you won’t regret it!”
International Women’s Day
We interviewed Wura a few days before International Women’s Day, and so we talked about statistics that are crucial in proving that when we talk about gender-based violence, it’s not a figment of our imagination, but a reality. And the responsibility, she says, belongs to all of us.
“Gender-based violence isn’t just a fight for a select few, it affects everyone, and no one can remain neutral. Many women never seek help due to stigma and fear of exclusion. Women should not have to silence themselves to belong. It’s the responsibility of everyone (families, schools, religious institutions) to create an environment where women feel safe to speak up without fear.”
Moreover, she believes that justice must be accessible and swift, not another barrier. If it’s nearly impossible for a woman to obtain a protective order, for example, the system is failing. When justice is delayed or denied, others lose faith in seeking help, perpetuating the cycle of violence. And above all, silence protects the wrong people.
“We must stop protecting perpetrators. They could be a friend, a relative, or someone you love, but covering for them only fuels more violence.”
For those looking to step into the world of women’s rights advocacy, Wura offers clear and compassionate advice:
“It’s essential to educate yourself, and for me, that began with reading everything I could find on women’s rights and gender-based violence.”
“Attending events was another key step. I travelled whenever necessary to connect with like-minded people, gain knowledge, and learn from those already doing the work.”
“Volunteering is another great way to start. Joining an organization with experience in this field allows you to learn, contribute, and build skills. However, I always advise against immediately engaging with survivors without proper training.”
Want to be a Changemaker like Wura? Visit our Programmes Page to find out how to get involved or read more changemakers stories here.
