Nigerian Woman Wins Award for Anti-Sharia Campaign

Abstract

A Nigeian woman and co-ordinator of a human rights organisation, BAOBAB for Women's Human Rights, Ms. Ayesha Imam has been selected as this year's John Humphrey Freedom Award recipient for her work against the restrictive and discriminatory forms that the new Sharia criminal laws in Nigeria have taken. "Ayesha Imam's commitment to the women's rights movement in Nigeria and throughout Africa and the Middle East inspires us all. We hope that this international award will help to highlight the dangers faced by women and girls under this rigid Sharia system," said Kathleen Mahoney, Acting President of Rights & Democracy and Chairperson of the Board of Directors, who yesterday announced the decision of the international jury.