Prof. Menakaya Bags UN Award For World Peace

By Praise Chinecherem

The weeklong activities marking the 2025 International Women’s day ended at the United Nations headquarters U.S.A. with one of our own, Prof Amb Adaeze JUNI Menakaya decorated with the prestigious United Nations Global champion of gender for world peace award.

With a background in Educational Psychology and women’s studies, Prof Menakaya has been at the forefront of advocacy for women’s rights, education in underserved Communities and faith based empowered initiatives.

Born after her mother endured three days of labour and her entrance into the world was unique in many respects. Due to the circumstances of her birth, her father Barrister Jerry Menakaya dedicated her life to the service of women and humanity in general.

This early affirmation shaped her purpose and would lead her to champion gender equality, education and faith- driven leadership.

According to Menakaya upon seeing her, the father declared that she must work for the betterment of women and this was when the foundation and dedication for the service of women and humanity was laid.

Menakaya aligned herself with the United Nations commission on the status of women, contributing frequently to global discussions on gender equality and her priority area has been, the Gender priority strategy launched in 2020.

The effort is all about gender issues through policy advocacy, education and research, solutions for domestic violence survivors, through outreach programmes, providing counseling and mentorship to women.

Menakaya is working with the United Nations and various advocacy groups, a deeply fulfilling experience for her.

It would be recalled that an international magazine, the Accomplish featured and recognised her and other great women throughout the world this month, as part of activities marking the 2025 international women’s Day celebration which ended with women’s conference.

Congratulations, for you eminently deserved this meritorious award.