Dr. May Ikeora-Amamgbo is an academia, advocate, entrepreneur, and humanitarian. With a foundation in human rights, gender equality, and peacebuilding, she has contributed to research and policy development, focusing on human trafficking, migration, and international law through her work with the United Nations, African Union, and Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Institute. She also founded L’Avyanna, a beauty brand that celebrates women of colour as her passion for female development led to establishment of the Raising Women Initiative (RWI). In this interview, she speaks on her work as it aligns with her mission to inspire women to embrace their heritage, break barriers, and lead impactful lives.
By Ijeoma Thomas-Odia
Take us through your journey in advocacy for human rights, gender equality, and peacebuilding.
My commitment to human rights and gender equality has been a guiding force throughout my life, shaping both my personal and professional journey. As a young girl, I dreamed of becoming a lawyer who fought for justice, a dream that took root early and has never wavered. That dream found its first major expression when, at just 19 years old, I won Miss ECOWAS. This pivotal moment transformed me into a youth ambassador for peacebuilding, exposing me to mission work that deepened my understanding of the complexities surrounding human rights and conflict resolution. It was during this time that my passion for these issues truly crystallised, setting me on a path of academic and professional pursuit.
Driven by this calling, I pursued a master’s degree and later a PhD in international humanitarian law in the United Kingdom, fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming a lawyer while equipping myself with the tools to address global injustices. This academic foundation has taken me to over 20 countries, where I’ve had the privilege of working with esteemed organisations like the United Nations, the African Union, and the WorldBank. My research on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which focuses on gender mainstreaming, allowed me to assess its implementation across various nations, shedding light on both progress and persistent gaps in policy.
Over the years, I’ve worked extensively across Europe and Africa, tackling critical issues such as human trafficking, migration, the displacement of women and girls, child protection, and the evaluation of international laws and policies designed to address these challenges. My work has always sought to bridge the gap between fieldwork and academia, ensuring that theoretical insights translate into practical, on-the-ground impact. Whether through consulting, research, or advocacy, I’ve been committed to contributing to the global body of knowledge in this space.
What drives me is the understanding that true empowerment transcends hashtags and social media campaigns. It’s about creating tangible, lasting change, whether through policy reform, education, or grassroots initiatives. Advocacy, as I’ve learned, is not glamorous. It’s gritty, demanding, and often thankless. But it’s also deeply rewarding. Every small victory, every life touched, every policy changed, reminds me why this work matters. It’s a reminder that the fight for justice and equality is not just a career, it’s a calling.
What informed your passion for entrepreneurship in the beauty sector, despite having a doctorate degree in international law?
My journey into the beauty sector is deeply personal and rooted in a lifelong fascination with beauty and self-expression. Even as a former beauty queen and model, I’ve always been captivated by the transformative power of beauty products, not just as tools for enhancing appearance, but as vehicles for confidence and self-worth. Growing up, I was meticulous about skincare, almost instinctively drawn to understanding ingredients and the science behind anti-ageing. This curiosity evolved into a passion, and I found myself dreaming of creating something meaningful for women like me, products that celebrate individuality and authenticity.
When an opportunity to collaborate with an established beauty brand didn’t materialise, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I immersed myself in studying skincare formulation, earning diplomas and licenses, and nurturing this passion for over a decade. L’Avyanna was born out of that dedication, a brand that embodies my belief in empowering women to feel beautiful in their own skin. It’s a testament to the idea that our passions, no matter how diverse, can coexist and even complement one another. My academic background informs the ethics and integrity of the brand, while my love for beauty drives its innovation.
How is L’Avyanna, helping women embrace their beauty and individuality?
L’Avyanna is more than a skincare brand; it’s a celebration of the strong, beautiful woman who refuses to conform to societal standards. The name itself means “the strong, beautiful woman,” and that ethos is woven into every product and campaign. Our flagship campaign, ‘My Colour, My Heritage, was a bold statement about embracing one’s natural beauty, regardless of skin tone or background. It resonated deeply with women of colour, who often feel overlooked in the beauty industry. Our best-selling product, ‘Melanin Glow’, is a proof to our commitment to authenticity. It’s not about altering who you are but enhancing the beauty you already possess. L’Avyanna is a brand that sees beauty as a form of self-expression and empowerment. It’s about reminding women that their uniqueness is their strength.
How are you helping to shape the minds of the next generation of female leaders through the Raising Women Initiative (RWI) and the Raising Girls Project?
The Raising Women Initiative is rooted in the belief that empowering women starts with empowering girls. Over the past two decades, I’ve seen countless initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment, but what sets RWI apart is our focus on shaping mindsets. We’re not just equipping girls with skills; we’re nurturing their courage, resilience, and self-belief. Our Raising Girls Project is designed to give young girls a voice and a platform to express their strength. Too often, society silences that strength as they grow older, and we lose the bold, fearless spirits they once had. Through our summits and programmes, we encourage them to carry that bravery into adulthood. This year, we’re focusing on holistic empowerment “Worth, wealth, and well-being”, because a confident woman is one who is balanced in every aspect of her life.
What would you say it takes to succeed in today’s entrepreneurial landscape?
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a journey that demands tenacity, resilience, and a resolute belief in your vision. In today’s challenging economic climate, especially in regions like Nigeria, success requires thinking outside the box and embracing innovation. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the importance of consistency. Success doesn’t happen overnight, it’s the result of showing up every day, even when the odds are stacked against you. It’s also about being honest with yourself, keeping meticulous records, and celebrating small wins along the way. Entrepreneurship is as much about mindset as it is about strategy.
How much progress has been made in advancing gender equality and women’s representation in Africa, and what are the persistent challenges that still need to be addressed?
There has been progress, but it’s uneven. Rwanda, for example, is a global leader in gender representation, with women holding a significant percentage of parliamentary seats. In Nigeria, we’ve seen strides in sectors like finance, thanks to affirmative action policies. However, political representation remains abysmally low, with women making up just 3.2 percent of elected officials, a regression to 1999 when Nigeria first embraced democracy. The challenges are multifaceted. Cultural biases, systemic barriers, and a lack of support from both men and women hinder progress. We need to shift mindsets and create systems that actively support women’s leadership. It’s not just about getting women into positions of power; it’s about ensuring they have the tools and support to thrive.
Talk to us about your book, ‘Bilateral Cooperation and Human Trafficking’.
This book is a culmination of my PhD research and a reflection of my commitment to combating human trafficking. Published by Palgrave Macmillan, it explores the legal frameworks for cooperation between the UK and Nigeria in addressing this global issue. At the time of its publication, it filled a critical gap in the literature and has since become a valuable resource for academics, policymakers, and practitioners. It’s a deeply academic work, but its impact is very real. Human trafficking is a complex, transnational issue that requires collaborative solutions, and I’m proud to have contributed to the discourse in a meaningful way. My book can be found in so many prominent university libraries all over the world and a recommended book for study amongst law and international relations students around the world. Although I have written and contributed to other books and peer-review journals, this book continues to stand out even on google books as a my undeniable contribution to knowledge.
What drives you for success?
For me, success is about impact. It’s not about accolades or comparisons but about fulfilling my purpose, adding value to the world and to myself. Whether it’s through L’Avyanna, my advocacy work, or mentoring the next generation, what brings me joy is knowing that I’ve made a difference in someone’s life. I wake up every day with a sense of responsibility to give my best self in service to humanity.
That’s what drives me, the belief that my gifts are meant to be poured out for the benefit of others. Looking back at my humble beginnings, those who have known me long enough to follow my journey from childhood can confidently say my life has been a success story. A story of a girl who fought against all odds to become the woman I am today and all that I am yet to be. I hope that inspires many young women to believe in their own potential and persevere, no matter the challenges they face.
What key lessons have you learned in your years of business and impact?
In business, I’ve learned the importance of due diligence and structure. Trust is earned, and every partnership; whether with staff, suppliers, or clients, must be built on clear agreements and mutual respect. Anticipating challenges and planning for them is crucial. In social impact work, I’ve learned that change is not always linear. People may not always recognise or appreciate the help you offer, but that does not diminish its value. Both business and impact require tenacity, systems, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Ultimately, whether in business or advocacy, success comes from staying true to your vision, learning from setbacks, and celebrating every step forward.
How can we get more women to become successful and rise to the top as you have done? What tips do you have for younger women?
To empower more women to rise to the top, we need a multi-faceted approach that addresses both systemic barriers and individual mindsets. First, we must create enabling environments, whether through policies that promote gender equality, mentorship programmes, or access to funding for women-led businesses. Organisations and governments have a role to play in leveling the playing field, but so do we as individuals. Women need to support other women, not just in words but in actions—mentoring, sponsoring, and advocating for one another.
For younger women, my advice is simple yet profound: Believe in your worth and own your story. Success is not about perfection; it’s about persistence. Surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of the journey. Also, invest in yourself, whether through education, skill-building, or self-care. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Lastly, don’t let societal expectations define your path. You can be a lawyer, a beauty entrepreneur, a researcher, and an advocate, all at once. Your uniqueness is your superpower. Embrace it, nurture it, and let it guide you to the top.
What is your life mantra?
My life mantra is: “Live authentically, serve purposefully, and leave a legacy of impact.” Authenticity is about staying true to who you are, even when the world tries to mould you into something else. Purpose is about using your gifts to make a difference, no matter how small it may seem. And legacy is about ensuring that your life’s work outlives you, touching generations to come. This mantra reminds me that success is not measured by titles or wealth but by the lives I’ve touched and the change I’ve inspired. It keeps me grounded, focused, and driven, even on the toughest days.
