By Oguadimma Chisom
Joy Oluwatoyin Adeboye, a 22-year-old philosophy student from Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State, has emerged one of the finalists of the 2024 .ORG Global Impact Awards. Recognized in the “Rising Star” category.
Joy was honored by the Public Interest Registry, USA, for her work in addressing gender inequalities and supporting the rights of young women through her non-profit, Resilient Girls Initiative.
Selected from over 1,700 applications across 90 countries, Joy was among 35 finalists recognized for their exceptional contributions to social good. She was one of only three Nigerians to make the final list of honorees.
Joy’s award comes from the Public Interest Registry, the non-profit organization that operates the .ORG domain.
The awards celebrate organizations and individuals making significant contributions to their communities, and Joy’s Resilient Girls Initiative stood out for its impact on addressing gender-based violence and mentoring young girls.
Founding Resilient Girls Initiative
In an interview with The Harbinger, Joy spoke about her journey to advocacy and the rationale behind her initiative.
According to her, In 2018, at just 18, Joy founded the Resilient Girls Initiative, a non-profit organization focused on empowering women and girls, addressing gender-based violence, and promoting leadership through mentorship and self-esteem programs.
To date, the initiative has reached over 20,000 women and girls, making a lasting impact in local communities.
“My vision is to create a safe space for young girls to find their voice, take on leadership roles, and stand against abuse,” Joy explained. Her organization’s core objectives include advancing the rights of women, tackling sexual violence, and fostering leadership development.
Overcoming Personal Trauma
Joy’s passion for this work comes from her own painful experiences. A survivor of child labor and sexual assault, she was raped at the age of 14 while living with a guardian after her father lost his job.
The trauma led to years of low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts, but she eventually found the courage to speak out.
“I couldn’t speak out because of my low self-esteem,” Joy recalled. “But once I did, I realized it could help others who felt voiceless like I did.” This personal journey inspired the creation of Resilient Girls Initiative.
Her advocacy began at 15, driven by the injustices she witnessed in her rural community, where girls who were sexually abused were often forced to marry their abusers. Joy vowed to fight for a future where girls could speak out without fear of stigma.
Challenges in Advocacy
Despite the success of her initiative, Joy has faced several challenges, particularly in securing financial support. “In 2021, we took up a rape case in my community, but there was no funding to fully pursue justice for the girl,” she explained.
In addition to financial hurdles, Joy has encountered resistance during outreach projects. “I’ve been insulted and harassed in communities where discussing sexual violence is taboo, but that doesn’t deter me,” she said.
Impact and Recognition
Through the Resilient Girls Initiative, Joy has tackled key issues including sexual and gender-based violence, period poverty, and the economic empowerment of women and girls. Her organization has also provided scholarships and grants for girls and women, ensuring access to education and financial independence.
The .ORG Global Impact Award has not only recognized her efforts but also opened new doors for her to expand her work. “This award will help us reach even more girls and continue the fight against gender violence,” Joy said.
Advice to Young Changemakers
Joy encourages young people to use their voices and platforms to create change. “Start with what you have—social media is a powerful tool. Build networks, volunteer, seek training, and find mentors who can guide you,” she advised.
As Joy looks toward the future, she plans to use the award to officially register her NGO and expand its reach beyond Nigeria, empowering more girls to find their voice and break free from the cycle of abuse and inequality. “I want to see the Resilient Girls Initiative impact more communities, especially in rural areas where support is often lacking,” she shared.
In the long term, Joy hopes to establish a global network of support for young girls, providing them with safe spaces, mentorship, and education. “I envision a world where every girl can grow up with the confidence to pursue her dreams, free from fear and violence,” she said.
Her passion for policy reform also remains strong, as she continues to advocate for stronger laws protecting women and girls from abuse. “It’s not just about helping individuals; it’s about changing systems that allow violence and inequality to thrive.”
