Did you know that Africa faces significant challenges in addressing social inequality? In sub-Saharan Africa, over 40% of the population lives below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. In Nigeria, women make up nearly 50% of the population but hold less than 7% of elected political positions. In addition to this, gender-based violence is pervasive, with 30% of Nigerian women reporting physical violence before the age of 15. These statistics underscore the urgent need for policies and interventions that prioritise social inclusion and gender equality.

These are some of the harsh realities that shaped my decision to focus on social justice, policy and the rights of all citizens. When I decided to pursue a master’s degree, I wanted a programme that would deepen my understanding of these issues and provide practical tools to address them. Studying Rights and Social Policy in Ireland aligns perfectly with my advocacy work in Nigeria.
You see, Ireland has a strong record in human rights and progressive social policies. It has made strides in gender equality and tackling poverty. Particularly, I was excited at the opportunity to focus not just on policy but social policy. This is because it specifically focuses on how policy affects all humans in society. These factors made it a good fit for my focus on social justice.

Before coming to Ireland, I did a lot of work around women’s rights and gender equality in Nigeria, youth inclusion in political leadership, interparliamentary affairs, governance and development. With experience within the social impact space, as well as within the government infrastructure, I collaborated with policymakers to push for reforms that increase inclusion and political participation of the most vulnerable groups, as well as address gender-based violence. However, there was a gap.

While the actors within the space are working hard to remediate the problems, so much work is still needed. While I organised advocacy campaigns, engaged community leaders, and worked on drafting laws to tackle these issues, I realised I needed advanced knowledge of rights-based policies to make more impact. This programme offers that.

The master’s programme in Rights and Social Policy focuses on poverty reduction, equality policies, and human rights. These subjects connect directly to my dreams, and the programme so far, I must say… has not disappointed.
The programme emphasises evidence-based policymaking. In Nigeria, one of the biggest challenges was the lack of data to support advocacy efforts. This course is helping me understand how to use data to inform policy, write policy and analyse policy. I am also learning international approaches that I can adapt to Nigeria.

One of the highlights of studying in Ireland has been my classmates. They are dynamic and bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many interesting people from different backgrounds and countries. These interactions have enriched my learning experience and broadened my worldview.

Studying in Ireland is about gaining the knowledge to make meaningful change. I want to return to Nigeria with ideas and strategies that can address systemic inequalities. My goal is to empower marginalised communities through education and advocacy. Tackling inequality is key to Nigeria’s development.

Ireland has given me a space to expand my knowledge and connect with people who share my interests. This programme is helping me build skills that I plan to use in my work in Nigeria and beyond.