By Ishaya Ibarahim, News Editor
The BBC has celebrated two Nigerians in its list of 100 most influential women of the year 2020.
The global list of women who are impacting their communities include the activist, Aisha Yesufu and a filmmaker, Uyaiedu Ipke-Etim.
The BBC in its profile of Aisha Yesufu, described her as a Nigerian activist who demands good governance in her country.
“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,” the BBC said.
The BBC also quoted Aisha Yesufu advising women: “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.
The second Nigerian in the list is Uyaiedu Ipke-Etim. The BBC describes her as feminist film-maker, director and LGBTQ+ activist, who has committed herself to creating stories about marginalised groups in Nigeria.
According to the BBC, Ipke-Etim’s advocacy for greater recognition for the LGBTQ+ community, earned her a place among the 100 most influential women of the year 2020.
The BBC said: “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.”
The BBC quoted Ikpe-Etim telling women to: “Keep taking up space and don’t stop telling the stories of those whose voices have been taken from them.”