Joy Abahi Oboyi
Abuja
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Nigeria
"If I was in charge I would make sure the world is a safe space for every woman, every girl and every young person, that they are not harassed and they have their voice heard in decision making spaces that affect their life."
"I draw the red line against any form of violence against women and girls. Irrespective of their class, who they are or where they are coming from."
"I draw the red line against any form of violence against women and girls. Irrespective of their class, who they are or where they are coming from."
I grew up without the leverage to have informed conversations with my parents or older siblings. In 2017, I was trained as a youth advocate on sexual and reproductive health and rights for young people, including women and girls. This was where I found my voice in activism - to make sure our voices are heard and that the issues affecting young people, women, and girls are prioritised in decision-making spaces.
My activism focuses on ensuring that all women and girls have access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights, and services, without fear of stigma or discrimination.
One of my biggest challenges is navigating toxic spaces within activism and advocacy, where bullying and hostility are still too common.
What inspires me to keep going is recognising my voice, my power, and my expertise to advocate for the rights of women, girls, and young people. Sitting with policymakers and knowing that our voices are being heard keeps me motivated, because the world will not be safe unless we show up.
Meet The Photographer
Olwasegun Ogunleye
Oluwasegun Ogunleye is a portrait photographer and documentary storyteller based in Abuja, Nigeria. His work explores identity, culture, and human resilience through honest and deeply personal visuals.
He captures faces and stories that reflect strength, vulnerability, and truth. Whether in intimate portraits or long-form documentary projects, his lens seeks connection and meaning.
Oluwasegun believes photography is more than art. It is a way to document time, preserve memory, and start conversations that matter.
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