The Nigerian Coalition for the International Criminal Court mourns the passing away of a committee member, Mrs. Oby Nwankwo. She was until her death, an active and very supportive human rights activist who was in the forefront of the campaign for the respect of women’s rights, gender equality and good governance.

She was the founder and executive Director of the Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre. (CIRDDOC), a member of the ICC Gender Justice Team and an advisory board member of Global Fund for Women.

Oby Nwankwo was a globally recognized champion for human rights and women’s empowerment in Nigeria having served as a member of the UN CEDAW Expert Committee for a four year term in January 2013 and subsequently reelected for another four year term in 2016

She played an indispensible role in the campaign for the domestication of CEDAW and the AU protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa by the National and state Assemblies and the passage of the Child Rights Law in the various states in the country.

Oby was an extra ordinary activist who displayed energy and passion towards the fight for gender equality. The pioneer role she played in coordinating the National Coalition on Affirmative Action (NCAA) was an independent and Civil Society voice which saw to an effective strategy that led to an increased number of women in governance.

Her passion and commitment have moved countless people to take action to improve their communities. We will miss her great shining smile and her indomitable spirit but all those she has inspired will keep her vision alive through each small action we take toward a better world.

 

Her legacy will always remain with us. The deep sympathy of the NCICC is hereby conveyed to her  family, close friends and colleagues.