Awele Ideal joins global leaders at United Nations CSW70 on women’s rights

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Nigerian legal practitioner and advocate, Awele Ideal, joined global leaders, policymakers, legal professionals, and gender advocates at the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York, where discussions centered on justice, gender equality, inclusion, and the protection of women and girls across the world.

The conference, held at the United Nations Headquarters earlier this week, focused on strengthening access to justice for women and girls, promoting equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws and practices, and advancing women’s participation in public life and leadership.

Delegates at the conference also examined how justice systems can better protect women and girls from violence, exclusion, and structural inequality in different societies.

Speaking during conference engagements, Awele said her participation at the global gathering represented more than professional recognition, describing it as a reflection of years of personal experiences, resilience, and advocacy that shaped her passion for defending vulnerable people.

According to her, many women and girls across the world are still excluded from spaces where critical decisions affecting their future are made.

“Many girls and women are kept out of the rooms where decision-making happens. For how long should this continue? Justice delayed is justice denied, and justice denied is justice stolen,” she said.

She stressed that women must not only be represented symbolically but must also be genuinely heard in conversations that shape policies and societal progress.

“At the United Nations CSW70, we advocate that the voices of women and girls must be heard to drive meaningful changes. We must support the voices of those who can show up and, with our voices, amplify the voices of those who are prevented from participation,” she added.

Awele revealed that her passion for justice is deeply connected to difficult childhood experiences that inspired her decision to study law and defend oppressed individuals, especially children.

“I was abandoned by my mom at seven months, and my stepmother, who raised me, maltreated me. That was what challenged me into becoming a lawyer because I wanted to help oppressed people, especially children. I vowed to become the voice of the voiceless,” she revealed.

Over the years, she said she has continued to build her legal career despite the pressures and realities faced by many women in demanding professional environments.

According to her, balancing motherhood, career responsibilities, and societal stereotypes has remained one of the major challenges she has encountered.

“Being a woman in a male-dominated profession, being a mother while maintaining my professional career, and dealing with stereotypes of being a divorcee are some of the challenges I have faced,” she stated.

Despite the obstacles, Awele said her greatest achievement remains the impact she continues to make both as a mother and as a legal professional whose voice is increasingly gaining recognition within justice and advocacy circles.

“My greatest accomplishment is being an intentional mom and being a lawyer whose voice is heard loud and clear,” she said.

Throughout the conference, delegates repeatedly emphasized that rights without access to justice leave many women vulnerable and excluded.

Participants called for stronger institutions, inclusive legal systems, and practical reforms capable of protecting women and girls across different communities and cultures.

As conversations around gender equality continue globally, Awele encouraged women to remain confident and determined regardless of the barriers they may face.

“Your life is what you make of it. You are enough. If you set your mind towards achieving a goal, then nobody can stop you except you,” she said.