Foundation sets standards for gender champions hall

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Dise Ogbise Foundation has introduced a merit-based selection process for its proposed Gender Champions Hall of Fame, saying the initiative will honour individuals whose work has produced measurable progress in gender equality and social justice.

The Niger Delta-based gender advocacy organisation said the Hall of Fame would recognise men and women who had challenged discrimination, promoted inclusion and improved opportunities for women, children and other vulnerable groups.

Speaking at a media briefing in Yenagoa, the foundation’s president and founder, Dr Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, said the initiative was conceived not simply as an awards scheme but as a permanent record of people whose leadership and service had contributed to social change.

“The Hall of Fame is not merely an awards platform, but a repository of exemplary leadership and service,” Ogbise said.

She said inductees would be selected through a committee constituted to ensure that the process was transparent, inclusive and independent. The committee will consider nominees from sectors including public service, politics, law, business, education, medicine, academia, media, entertainment, traditional institutions, philanthropy and civil society.

According to Ogbise, nominees will be assessed on the evidence and impact of their work rather than their political connections, social status, wealth or previous awards.

Among the criteria are sustained commitment to gender equality and inclusion, measurable impact on vulnerable groups, advocacy for women’s rights and dignity, and contributions to education, economic empowerment and leadership development.

The foundation will also consider legislative, judicial, policy and institutional reforms that have advanced gender equality, as well as humanitarian work, community service, mentorship and efforts to develop future women leaders.

Ogbise said the committee would give particular consideration to individuals whose work had produced lasting or transformative changes beyond their personal achievements.

She added that the process would cover two broad categories, institutional and individual, and would recognise both established figures and emerging champions whose contributions might not have received adequate public attention.

To protect the credibility of the initiative, committee members will be required to disclose potential conflicts of interest and withdraw from consideration where their impartiality could be compromised.

The committee will also require documentary evidence and other credible proof of nominees’ achievements before making recommendations for induction.

Ogbise said the foundation wanted the Hall of Fame to preserve the stories, achievements and legacies of gender advocates for future generations. She said photographs, biographies and records of inductees would be permanently displayed at the designated Hall of Fame.

She urged individuals, institutions, professional bodies and civil society organisations to nominate deserving candidates, stressing that nominations should be supported by verifiable evidence of impact rather than popularity or public visibility.

“The initiative seeks to identify men and women who have used their positions, talents, resources and influence to advance equality,” she said.

The Gender Champions Hall of Fame is scheduled for October 9–11, 2026, while a fundraising gala is planned for August 30 at Domaris Hotel on Sanni Abacha Expressway, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Ogbise said the initiative was ultimately aimed at creating a culture in which those who challenged discrimination and opened opportunities for others were remembered and celebrated.