THE WICSA WOMEN
Defiance OF PAIN 2 (1998) by Godfrey Williams- Okorodudu shows a young girls defiance against the culture of oppression. This painting depicts the "Suffering " that awaits the victim.
Members of WICSA
Joy Keshi Walker- President/ Founder.
Joy had a vision in 1997 to create an organization that would empower women in all ramifications. That vision came into fruition in 1998 when she founded WICSA with a group of strong women who were like minded. Since founding the organization, Joy has tirelessly fought for rights of women to bodily integrity and economic empowerment starting with the travel museum of paintings and sculpture depicting the evils of Female Genital Mutilation in 1998. She has also held small business workshops for women who own or aspire to own their businesses. Joy has an MBA and Juris Doctor degrees and took the New Mexico State, bar examination. Joy’s favorite thing to do is spending time with her children. You can email me at jukwalker@yahoo.com
Folake Mabel Somorin (nee Otolorin) Board Member and Creative Power House.
Folake is seasoned creative writer. She retired as the Creative director of Lowe Lintas Nigeria. Folake prides in her ability to use words to creatively cause changes that define the human history. In 1998, she joined the movement to end the heinous crime of FGM and crafted campaign slogans that disrupted the way society accepted the practice of FGM. Since then Folake has continued to lead the fight to end FGM and has vowed to speed up the abolition process using her gift of words pierce even the most hardened practitioner.
Folake is a registered Advertising Practitioner of Nigeria. She has Post graduate Diploma Advertising Administration from Watford College, Watford U.K and a B.A. from Aberdeen College, Aberdeen Scotland U.K. Her favorite thing to do is trying her best to outsmart Ife, her super smart millennial daughter in word games! Let’s continue this conversation at
Ifeanyi Funnaya Maha- International Legal Adviser.
Ifeanyi is a seasoned attorney and holds a post graduate law degree. She's enjoyed a very diversified career path, cutting across corporate trusteeship, business/management compliance, financial advisory services and investment banking. Ifeanyi's passion for value addition and capacity development has propelled her service on a number of industry committees in the Nigerian Financial services industry - including the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Ifeanyi's keen sense of fairness continues to translate to her lending her voice and professional skills to championing the cause of the underprivileged and oppressed in her circles of influence. In recognition, the African Refugee Foundation honored her with an Ambassador award.
The visionary and impactful outlook of WICSA's commitment to pushing the envelope for the enhancement of the welfare of women and the girl child certainly caught Ifeanyi's attention. She joined WICSA and the Anti - FGM campaign - via WICSA'S maiden project, launched twenty years ago. She continues to avail her legal, compliance and management strengths to the WICSA cause.
Ifeanyi's favorite hobby is creatively remodeling homes and offices - giving them refreshingly new looks on a budget. She can be found wearing a tool belt, knocking down walls and wood to create new living spaces. You can email me on fumnaanya@yahoo.com
In loving Remembrance….
Nkiru Onono, was one of the founding members of the Nigerian WICSA. Nkiru was a wordsmith and a celebration in creativity! I know she is smiling down from heaven as WICSA continues to fight for better life for women, children and the oppressed. May her beautiful soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen
Ifeoluwapo Folunrunsho-WICSA’s volunteer Global Intern.
Ife, is a WICSA global intern. In this role, Ife helps to coordinate the campaign targeted at her fellow millennials who are the mothers of today and tomorrow. She believes that young people are the game changers when it comes to ending FGM. Ife graduated Summa Cum Laude or First Class degree in Economics from Babcock University, 2015. She works as an Investment Analyst at Nigeria’s second largest Pension Fund Administrator. Her favorite thing to do is read books of various genre.
Other Volunteers/ Partners:
Chinye Keshi, Esq.
Dr Tobi Levin
Godfrey Williams- Okorodus
Sam Ovraiti