User:Amal4199/sandbox

• Comment: Articles on living people require inline citations throughout. Piling all the citations at the bottom is unhelpful, as well as unacceptable.
  Please don't cite user-generated sources (WordPress blogs, social media, Goodreads), they are not considered reliable. DoubleGrazing (talk) 07:50, 30 November 2024 (UTC)

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Amrah Aliyu

Nationality: Nigerian Occupation: Activist, Poet, Social Entrepreneur Known for: Gender Equality Advocacy, Poetry, Leadership Initiatives, Women's Empowerment

Early Life and Education

Amrah Aliyu was born and raised in Niger State, Northern Nigeria. Her early life was significantly shaped by her grandmother, Attah Wachiko, and her mother, Salamatu Wachiko, both of whom were influential figures in her life, embodying resilience, justice, and compassion.

She attended the Federal University of Technology Minna, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture. Amrah furthered her education by obtaining a Master's degree in International Development from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She also specialized in Corporate Enterprise Management at Pan-Atlantic University. Despite her scientific background, Amrah’s passion for communication and advocacy led her to volunteer as a journalist at her university’s campus radio station.

Career and Advocacy

Advocacy and Journalism

During her university years, Amrah hosted the radio program "Not Just a Pretty Face" (Ba Kyaun Fuska Kadai Gareki Ba), which created a space for women to voice their opinions on gender rights and advocacy. This experience helped Amrah develop her skills in communication, interviewing, and community engagement.

She was also actively involved in the university's press club, serving as vice president and challenging gender norms that often excluded women from leadership roles.

Amrah's commitment to storytelling extended beyond her university, as she volunteered as a journalist with local NGOs, reporting on critical issues like gender-based violence, child rights, and community development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched radio programs and online platforms focused on addressing the rise in gender-based violence, offering resources and referral pathways for affected women and girls.

Advocacy and Leadership

Amrah is the founder and Executive Director of the Salma Attah Foundation for Women and Girls Support (SAFWGS), which has impacted over 10,000 girls in underserved communities. The foundation’s "Periods Without Limits" initiative advocates for menstrual equity.

Her advocacy for gender equality also includes organizing rallies such as the Orange Walk against gender-based violence and the Arewa MeToo Standstill Rally, which called for the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in Niger State.

Amrah's leadership also extends to literary advocacy. She currently serves as the Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) in Niger State.

In addition to her national advocacy work, Amrah has received specialized training from organizations like the Taz Panter Foundation in Berlin, where she worked with Nigerian journalists to amplify the voices of activists and media practitioners.

Leadership and Impact In 2022, Amrah initiated the Kallabi Leadership Fellowship in Niger State, the first of its kind in the region. The fellowship aims to equip young women in Northern Nigeria with leadership skills and governance tools, offering mentorship and internship opportunities at the Niger State House of Assembly.

Amrah's work has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the Top 25 Women Redefining Leadership in Northern Nigeria, and a TEDx speaker. She was the first runner-up for the Oby Ezekwesili Women Advocacy Award and was awarded a scholarship by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of the Netherlands' development policy

Global Recognition

Amrah’s impact was further amplified during the *COVID-19* pandemic, where she was recognized as one of the *Global Voices Fighting COVID-19 in their Communities* by *Youth SDGs NG* and *We Make Change*. She was also featured by *BBC Media Action* for her efforts in educating her community, raising awareness about COVID-19 through social media campaigns, and distributing locally-made hand sanitizers and reusable face masks to underserved populations.

Poetry and Writing

Amrah Aliyu is also a published author, known for her poetry collection *"Breasts Are Names of Flowers,"* which serves as a tool for amplifying the voices of women and girls. Her poetry weaves together art and activism, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of women in her community. Through her writing, Amrah has been able to connect deeply with her audience, shedding light on gender inequalities and promoting social change. she is amongs the 8 poets from 5 countries who marked world poetry day with Prof Wole Soyinka 8 poets from 5 countries who marked world poetry day with Wole Soyinka.

Personal Philosophy and Values

Amrah's work is rooted in her core values of fairness, inclusivity, and citizenship. She believes in the transformative power of art, education, and advocacy to create a more equitable and inclusive society. Her journey is an embodiment of resilience and hope, inspiring countless individuals to stand up for what they believe in and to take action toward a more just world.

Awards and Recognition

Amrah's contributions have earned her multiple recognitions, including: - *First Runner-Up, Oby Ezekwesili Women Advocacy Award* - *Scholarship from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs* - *Training by the Taz Panter Foundation in Berlin* - *Global Voices Award for Fighting COVID-19* - *Top 25 Women Redefining Leadership in Northern Nigeria* - Nominee Adocacy and Activsm for Future Awards Africa

Amrah continues to be a force to be reckoned with, actively shaping the future of gender equality, social justice, and women's empowerment in Northern Nigeria and beyond.