--- title: "Women in Nigeria: Bene E. Madunagu" date: 2009-04-06T18:00:50-04:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/women-in-nigeria-bene-e-madunagu" section: Blog (Archive) --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [From the Archives of Our Bodies, Our Blog](/blog)# Women in Nigeria: Bene E. Madunagu By Our Bodies Ourselves • April 6, 2009 Please note: This entry -- originally posted at [Our Bodies, Our Blog](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog) -- has not been updated since the publication date listed above. *From 2009 - 2011, Our Bodies Ourselves honored the work of women's health advocates worldwide by asking readers to nominate their favorite women's health hero. View all nominees by year:* [*2009*](/category/our-bodies-ourselves/womens-health-heroes-2009/)*,* [*2010*](/category/our-bodies-ourselves/womens-health-heroes-2010/)*,* [*2011*](/category/our-bodies-ourselves/womens-health-heroes-2011/) **Entrant:** Meredeth Turshen **Nominee:** Bene E. Madunagu, professor of botany at the University of Calabar, Nigeria Bene E. Madunagu, a founding member of Women In Nigeria (WIN), is a professor of botany at the University of Calabar, Nigeria, where she is an active member of the Nigerian Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU). A radical socialist and feminist activist since the 1970s, Bene founded Girls' Power Initiative (GPI) with Grace Osakue in 1993. Currently, she chairs the board of the Calabar International Centre for Research, Information and Documentation (CIINSTRID), which executes a critical and anti-sexist program for male adolescents. She also chairs the boards of the International Centre for Reproductive and Sexual Rights (INCRESE) and Baobab for Women's Human Rights, and is a board member of AMANITARE (African Partnership for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for Women and Girls). In 2003, Bene became the General Coordinator of DAWN (Development Alternatives With Women for a New Era), a network of women scholars and activists from the global South who are committed to working for gender justice, economic justice, and democracy. --- #### 51 Responses Our Bodies Ourselves is no longer able to accept comments. **Gcebile Ndlovu** on May 06, 2009 Please count my vote for Bene. Thank you **Zahid** on May 06, 2009 Sub: Application for enlistment / enrollment as member. Dear Sir, Greetings from Grameen Development Society (GDS) in Bangladesh. We have the honor to you that Grameen Development Society (GDS) is a non Government Voluntary human development Organization. This Organization has been conducting various socio-economic development activities such as Education, Health, awareness, legal aid, and protection to the persecuted women and children are worth mentioning. As such if we get enlistment enrollment from you we will be able to speed up and extend and development our effort. Under the circumstances we pray and hope that you would be kind enough to enlist enrollment our organization as member and oblige thereby. `Md.ZahidHossainKhan Executive Director GDS-Grameen Development Society Shahanaj Complex(1st Floor) North Bagura Road In Front of Forest Departmen Barisal-8200,BANGLADESH Phone -+ 8803742001154 Fax - + 880431 648814 Mobile - +8801716952749 email –gdsbsl@gmail.com,gdsbsl@yahoo.com **Zahid** on May 06, 2009 Sub: Application for Partnership Dear Sir, Greetings from Grameen Development Society (GDS) in Bangladesh. We have the honor to you that Grameen Development Society (GDS) is a non Government Voluntary human development Organization. This Organization has been conducting various socio-economic development activities such as Education, Health, HIV/AIDS Prevention & Awareness Program, Legal Aid, and Protection to the Persecuted Women and Children are worth mentioning Program. As such if we get enlistment enrollment from you we will be able to speed up and extend and development our effort. Under the circumstances we pray and hope that you would be kind enough to enlist enrollment our organization as member and oblige thereby. Thanking You Your faithfully, Thanks a lot and keep up the good work. With my most sincere thanks, Md.ZahidHossainKhan Executive Director GDS-Grameen Development Society Shahanaj Complex(1st Floor) North Bagura Road In Front of Forest Department Barisal-8200,BANGLADESH Phone -+ 8803742001154 Fax - + 880431 648814 Mobile - +8801716952749 email –gdsbsl@gmail.com,gdsbsl@yahoo.com **Olukunle** on May 06, 2009 I have known Professor Bene Madunagu for over 5 years as a safe motherhood advocate and Co-director and Chairperson of the Nigerian Partnership for Safe Motherhood (NPSM). For the period I worked as the Program Officer of the Partnership, she distinguished herslf as a leader, goal getter and human rights activist who will never support marginalization or discrimination of any kind. I am voting for her not only because of her historical milestones but the potential and zeal in her to trurn anything around for better. Being nominated for this position is based on her worthy character, invaluable passion and struggles for gender equity. Olukunle Daramola Program Officer, Country Office FHI/GHAIN Abuja, FCT Nigeria **Emman** on May 06, 2009 Bene has my vote. She is a wonderful lady who has done so much for women in Africa and beyond. I have known her over the years as a consistent crusader for rights. Activism flows in her blood with Uncle Edwin Madunagu,her hubby of man years. **Ellen Chesler** on May 06, 2009 Three cheers and one more vote for the fabulous Bene! **sabina** on May 06, 2009 Bene has my vote. **Gloria Henry Edet** on May 06, 2009 I have been impacted by Prof. Bene Madunagu, alogside other young girls through the GPI programme. Mumsy Bee has my vote. She deserves it!!! **Adenike O.E.** on May 06, 2009 Prof Bene is dynamic. I vote for her. **Jen** on May 06, 2009 Bene has my vote! **Sussie Metu** on May 06, 2009 I wish to vote Prof Bene Madunagu for the award, she is one woman who has continued to touch the lives of the girl child in Nigeria. Her contribotion speaks for itself and it will be no surprise that she is recognised. If we have more of Prof Bene Madunagu's type' I can assure you that Nigerian women and in particular girls will look all the violence metted against women in the face and say to them, I am out of your box'. I have no doubt that she deserves the honor. Sussie Metu P.O BOX 289 Festac Town Lagos. NIGERIA **Virginia** on May 06, 2009 I vote for Bene. **Laura** on May 06, 2009 Yes, yes, yes for Bene! **Chelsea** on May 06, 2009 I tried to vote and couldn't. Please count my vote for Bene! **Kudi** on May 06, 2009 Of course my vote goes to a woman who is making a difference in the place of my birth. Thank you! **Kate Bourne** on May 06, 2009 Bene is a true champion for girls in Nigeria and around the world. I vote for her! **abdulrahman** on May 06, 2009 only GOD can reward a woman like you,please keep more to nigerian girls especially to our girls in the northern part where we couldnt find women of your nature.please my vote to mother bene. **Joseff** on May 06, 2009 I am convinced Bene deserves the award. **Reine Agang** on May 06, 2009 For what she has done to change lives of women and girl, let us all support Bene **Mary** on May 06, 2009 Outstanding Candidate! **Mercyeffiong** on May 06, 2009 Bene is my role model and mentor. I have worked with her for 7 seven years in an adolescent programme of Centre for Research, Information and Documentation (CENTRID), Calabar, now CIINSTRID. She has impacted so much on my life that is why I am what I am today. Women worldwide owe Bene this singular act of honour by voting for her. Bene please have my vote you deserve it. **Liz Maguire** on May 06, 2009 Bene Madunagu has my enthusiastic vote. What an extraordinary and eloquent champion of women's sexual and reproductive health and rights! She has transformed the lives of thousands of girls in Nigeria and has been an inspiration to girls and women throughout Africa and around the world through her words and deeds. It is a privilege to know and work with Bene! Liz Maguire **Pat Mahmoud** on May 06, 2009 Bene is mightly desevering of this award. I congratulate you for recognising her immense contributions to the struggle for women's health and rights. She has my vote over and over. Pat. **Roselyn Otu-Anyafulu** on May 07, 2009 Prof. Bene is a woman of many parts who have contributed so much towards the upliftment of women in Nigeria, Africa and beyound. She is one woman who is so passionate on issues of women. A lot us, young feminist look up to her. It is a privilede to know and work with her. 'Mumsy B' as Bene is fondly called by her close associates has my vote. Rose otu-Anyafulu **Adenike** on May 07, 2009 Please, count my vote for Bene. I am a 25 year old young lady who has benefitted from her good work. I was part of the young feminist training that GPI and IWHC facilitated in Abuja, Sharon Ultimate Hotel, Nigeria 2007. After that programme, i became informed and empowered. **James Falaiye** on May 07, 2009 Bene Madunagu deserves the award. I give my vote. **Rose Ugwu** on May 07, 2009 I vote Mumsy B - Bene Madunagu for her immense work. **Zeedah** on May 07, 2009 Bene has my vote. Her work is a pioneer and example for women across all continents. **Zeedah Meierhofer-Mangeli** on May 07, 2009 My vote for Bene! **Sophia Mbula** on May 07, 2009 I have learnt many useful things, but the things I learnt from Aunty Bene are critical! She has all my votes **mirène** on May 07, 2009 BENE has my vote **Corinne** on May 07, 2009 Bene exemplifies a women's health hero in her work and life. Over the course of her career she has had significant influence on both policy and practice addressing the health of girls and women locally, nationally and globally. Her contributions and continued involvement guide current work and future work on women's health. She has also trained and mentored more than one generation of new leaders in this field who share her fundamental commitment to gender equality and women's rights as well as her sensitivity to addressing the issues of boys and men. She deserves this award many times over. **Cynthia Steele** on May 07, 2009 I happily endorse Bene as an extraordinary woman and pioneer for womens' and girls' sexual health and rights. Good luck, Bene! **Maureen Palumberi** on May 07, 2009 Bene has my vote! I applaud her passion and committment to the rights of women and girls around the world. **Tina Onah** on May 07, 2009 To say I have come this far in my career because of what Bene exposed me to is a gross understatement. My entire life both professionally and personally, has been hugely influenced by the opportunities she gave to me. As a graduand of GPI, class of 2000, I can proudly say that today I am a social worker. GPI training empowered me and many more girls with the required tools to become self reliant, productive and effective leaders. It also gave us the leverage to exploit all we were taught formally. As a result I have been able to promote sensitive issues like, gender equality, sexual health, and leadership role play both in the print and electronic media - this was a regular activity as a GPI trainee. Also I have passed on all I learned from GPI to other girls at different programs. Today, I have founded an organization which is based entirely on my training in GPI. Bene remains a role model for young women and she has consistently lived out her teachings. With all honour, I nominate Bene Madunagu who in our eyes will ever be an icon. **odile** on May 07, 2009 My vote goes to Bene, and her accomplishments. **Iniobong** on May 07, 2009 Professor Madunagu literarily changed our family. I have three sisters and all three of them were trained at GPI, today they are very independent and sucessful women with a high self esteem. It is not very common in Nigeria to find women who are not shy of being at the fore or speaking up in public let alone take resposibility with a view to see out a crisis situation without looking for scape goats. Bene made leaders and social change agents out of my sisters and we will be ever grateful to her and GPI as a whole. I graduated from the University of Calabar and you cannot help but know about Professor Bene, her contirbution towards women empowerment and her indelible mark in Botany is clear for all to see. Bene is an ever shinning beacon and wherever she goes she is a leading light. I vote Bene Madunagu. **Nosa** on May 07, 2009 Bene has my vote. She is capable. **Ngukwase Surma** on May 08, 2009 Prof Bene, has my vote. she is an enabler. Ngukwase **Nike** on May 08, 2009 My vote goes to Bene, she deserves it. **Olufunmilayo** on May 08, 2009 This is my vote, you worth it **Hammed Afolabi** on May 08, 2009 She is a epitome of womanhood, she deserves this vote, have it. **SHEHU IDRIS** on May 08, 2009 I have known Bene as an intelligent lady and i so much admire her work and strugle for womens rights. I bet you if i know of any other person that worthy of this award, then is Bene. You have my vote Bene - cares. Shehu Idris - **Ellen Sweet** on May 08, 2009 Bene gets my vote any day, any time. **Ellen Sweet** on May 08, 2009 My vote goes to Bene. **GLORY** on May 09, 2009 i strongly vote for Prof. Bene **Milcah Mutindi** on May 18, 2009 Prof is my role model and her work has inspired me. I dream of a time that i will be able to touch so many young girls like she has. I met her first in 2003 and i know i will be tutored by her to follow her foot steps. Bravo! She has my vote! **Wariosa** on May 23, 2009 Prof Bene, Yes! her passion and dedication to development of women in sub-saharan africa is legendary **COMFORT IKPI** on May 25, 2009 I AM VOTING BENE, SHE IS ONE OF THE WOMEN THAT SHOULD BE MENTIONED WHEN STORIES ARE TOLD ABOUT WOMEN IN NIGERIA WHO HAVE CONTIBUTED TO THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF WOMENS' HEALTH AND RIGHTS. **COMFORT IKPI** on May 25, 2009 STORIES 1 2 ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [Our Bodies Ourselves - Women's Health Heroes 2009](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/topic/our-bodies-ourselves-womens-health-heroes-2009) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)