Born: Nigeria
Occupation: Human rights advocate, gender justice activist, founder
Known For: Founding Women’s Health and Equal Rights (WHER) Initiative; LGBTQ+ and women’s rights advocacy in Nigeria

Overview
Akudo Oguaghamba is a prominent Nigerian human rights advocate and gender justice activist whose work has had a transformative impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and women across West Africa. She is the founder of the Women’s Health and Equal Rights (WHER) Initiative, the first organization in Nigeria specifically focused on advancing the rights and well-being of lesbian, bisexual, and queer women.

Activism and Impact
Akudo has spent decades working at the intersection of gender, health, and human rights. Recognizing the unique vulnerabilities faced by queer women in Nigeria, she launched WHER in 2010 as a safe and empowering space for marginalized women to access support, healthcare, education, and legal advocacy. Under her leadership, WHER grew into a beacon for community-based interventions in a country where LGBTQ+ identities remain criminalized and highly stigmatized.

Her activism has been deeply informed by feminist values and a commitment to bodily autonomy, mental health, and intersectional inclusion. Akudo’s work spans capacity-building programs, HIV/AIDS prevention, community organizing, and policy advocacy. She has also provided training and consultation for a variety of regional and international bodies on gender and sexuality.

Challenges and Resilience
Operating in a hostile legal and social climate, Akudo has faced significant risks for her work. Despite threats, surveillance, and attempts to shut down WHER, she has continued to advocate publicly and privately for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality. Her resilience has made her a key figure in African queer activism and a mentor to younger generations of queer organizers.

Affiliations and Recognition
In addition to her work with WHER, Akudo has collaborated with international organizations such as the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice and the Coalition of African Lesbians. She has been a vocal presence at conferences, including the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) forums, and is respected globally as a courageous advocate for queer rights in high-risk environments.

Legacy
Akudo Oguaghamba’s dedication has created life-saving networks of care and advocacy for queer women in Nigeria. By centering community-led solutions and intersectional justice, she has carved out space for resistance, healing, and empowerment in one of the most difficult regions for LGBTQ+ activism.