Ayo Amen Ediae is a distinguished professional whose extensive career spans over 15 years in the humanitarian sector, with a specific focus on gender empowerment, migrant protection, and the fight against human trafficking. As an experienced case manager, counselor, and advocate, Ayo has dedicated her life to supporting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected. With a deep-rooted passion for service, she has become a prominent figure in international humanitarian and gender advocacy work.
Currently serving as Counter trafficking project Assistant, Gender Focal Point and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Champion at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria, Ayo’s work has made a profound impact on the lives of displaced persons, migrants, Gender based Violence survivors and victims of trafficking. Her role involves overseeing initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable migrant populations, providing comprehensive services that include psychological counseling, medical care, shelter assistance, and community reintegration programs. She is instrumental in developing protocols for victim identification and referral, ensuring that individuals who have suffered from trafficking or other forms of exploitation receive the support they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
Ayo’s contributions to IOM’s global efforts have earned her international recognition. Notably, her work in the U.S. Afghan emergency response, which was a part of Operation Allies Welcome, garnered a Certificate of Appreciation. Her efforts played a vital role in assisting Afghan guests with their resettlement process, making her a key figure amongst others in the success of this humanitarian initiative. In addition to her work in migration services, Ayo has also received the IOM Nigeria Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Champion Award in 2024 for her leadership in promoting a safe and respectful environment for IOM staff and beneficiaries alike.
Her commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment is at the core of her professional and personal ethos. Ayo is a staunch advocate for addressing the intersection of gender-based violence, migration, and human trafficking, and she works tirelessly to bring these issues to the forefront of international discourse. She is a key player in initiatives aimed at promoting gender parity within organizations and advocating for gender-sensitive policies in migration management. Her work as the Gender Focal Point at IOM Nigeria Benin City Sub-Office enables her to influence policy and provide guidance on the integration of gender considerations into humanitarian programs.
Ayo’s educational journey has significantly shaped her career, providing her with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex issues related to public administration, gender, and migration. She holds a Master of Science in Public Administration (M.Sc.) from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration (BPA) from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. Throughout her academic career, Ayo demonstrated a deep commitment to research, with her thesis exploring the topic of “Electoral Process and Citizen Participation,” a study that highlighted the implications of democratic participation for sustainable development. Her academic foundation in public administration has provided her with strong management and leadership skills that she continues to apply in her professional roles.
Ayo’s impact extends beyond her day-to-day work with IOM. Her leadership in the humanitarian sector is reflected in her involvement in several prestigious global platforms. She has represented Girl’s Power Initiative (GPI) Nigeria at the 62nd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in New York, where she made a compelling presentation on the intersection of household economic strengthening and the vulnerability of rural schoolgirls to human trafficking. She was also a participant in the Youth Work Against Gender-Based Violence in Forced Migration (You4Mi) Exchange Program in Palermo, Italy, where she presented on the nexus between gender-based violence and human trafficking, a critical issue facing migrant populations. These international engagements allow Ayo to network with global leaders, exchange best practices, and contribute to the development of strategies that can better address the challenges faced by vulnerable migrant populations.
Ayo’s leadership has also been recognized in her participation in the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) Generation Change Fellow Program. As a Fellow since 2015, Ayo has demonstrated a strong commitment to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and youth leadership. She was selected as one of the leaders to train other peacebuilders in Nigeria and Ethiopia, further solidifying her role as a thought leader in global peace efforts. Her involvement with the Generation Change Fellowship Program has allowed her to collaborate with other young professionals and grassroots organizations to promote inclusive peace processes and advance gender equality and human rights.
Throughout her career, Ayo has maintained a steadfast focus on addressing the specific needs of women and children, particularly in conflict zones and migration crises. Her leadership in Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI), where she worked as the Program Manager for the USAID-funded SMILE project, is a testament to her dedication to youth empowerment and education. Through GPI, Ayo spearheaded programs that provided vulnerable girls and young women with education, life skills, and leadership training, empowering them to make informed decisions about their futures. These programs have reached over 1,000 adolescent girls, equipping them with the tools to overcome the challenges of gender-based violence, early marriage, and economic disenfranchisement.
Ayo’s work has not gone unnoticed by her peers and the organizations she collaborates with. In addition to the aforementioned awards, she has received the Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) leadership and mentoring award for young girls and women in leadership, further solidifying her status as a role model in the humanitarian and gender advocacy space.
Her extensive experience in project management, community development, and gender equality has made Ayo a sought-after speaker and facilitator at various national and international forums. As a facilitator for training programs on gender integration, child protection, and psychosocial support, Ayo has helped to build the capacity of countless individuals working on the frontlines of migration and humanitarian relief efforts. Her workshops have trained local and international partners in best practices for migrant protection, counter-trafficking measures, and gender-sensitive service delivery.
Ayo Amen Ediae is a powerful advocate for human rights, a committed leader in the fight against human trafficking, and an unwavering champion of gender equality. Her contributions to migration management, gender empowerment, and humanitarian services have left an indelible mark on the global stage. As she continues her work with IOM and beyond, Ayo’s legacy as a catalyst for change is sure to inspire future generations of leaders who are committed to building a more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable world.
