Wonu Owoade
Say ‘hallo’ to Wonu Owoade, our April honoree, all the way from the Netherlands!
Wonu has a decade’s experience working in fundraising and as a social advocate. Her interest in fundraising and the not for profit sector started in her youth when she started volunteering in her free time. Since then she has built considerable experience working for a range of NGOs including Plan International UK, Christian Aid, Girl Effect and for the More than Brides Alliance, a partnership between Oxfam Novib, Simavi, Population Council and Save the Children whose focus is to empower young people to decide if and when to get married and to make informed choices about their Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. She is currently the Institutional Development Manager at Equality Now, an international human rights organization that uses legal advocacy to protect and promote the human rights of women and girls.
Wonu has a bachelor’s degree in Ancient History and History from the University of Nottingham and a master’s degree in Africa and International Development from the University of Edinburgh. Her master’s dissertation ‘We are like Sisters’: An investigation into support groups for African women living with HIV/AIDS in Edinburgh and Glasgow was published by the HIV Scotland and was used as part of their research into providing support networks for ethnic minorities living with HIV/AIDS in Scotland. She also presented a paper based on her research titled ‘A Question of Faith? The role of religion in helping Africans living with HIV/AIDS in the UK’ at the Sexuality, AIDS and Religion Conference at the University of Oxford.
In her free time, Wonu enjoys going for long walks, volunteering, spending time with her family and friends and travelling.
In Her Own Words
What is your favorite quote?
‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’ - Martin Luther King Jr
Who is your favorite woman fundraiser or philanthropist of color?
My favourite female fundraisers of colour are those working across the world to bring about positive societal change using their own individual talents, skills and expertise. We form a global sisterhood and one I am very proud to be part of.
My ambition in working in this sector is to not help develop but to help empower.
What inspired you to become a social advocate and fundraiser?
I knew from a young age that all I wanted to do was to help others especially the most vulnerable and marginalized within society. So many people across the world have their rights denied on a daily basis - based on their race, sexuality, gender, religious belief, social status - we were born equal and each person deserves to be recognized and given the opportunity to realize their rights. As a social advocate and fundraiser, I want to bring the stories of those who are battling inequality every day to the fore, ensure their voices are heard and they are provided the resources they need to move forward instead of being left behind.
Seeing as you have a background in International Development, have you found fundraising in the countries you've worked to be similar, or noticeably different? Is there anything we can learn from these differences or similarities?
I have been fortunate to work in international development for several years as well as study in this field. Although I have worked primarily in Europe, I have worked for a range of different international organizations who I believe each have their own approach to development programming including the partnerships they undertake, their approach to implementation as well as the outcomes they wish to achieve.
My ambition in working in this sector is to not help develop but to help empower. I believe that development should be replaced by empowerment, our role is to ensure those on the ground - women’s rights organizations, civil society actors, youth activists and all the social advocates working tirelessly to bring about positive change should be empowered, encouraged and supported to make the positive difference they believe is needed in their communities.
Where do you want to be in 3 years?
Continuing to work with passion, inspiration and with change-makers, fearless leaders and story-tellers who also intend to use their talents to bring about positive societal change.
Do you have any advice for other women of color fundraisers?
Lalah Delia said ‘If you are outgrowing who you’ve been, you are right on schedule. Keep evolving.’ If you stay true to your aspirations, goals and ambitions; you will always be on the right path.
