After returning to Nigeria from abroad, Oluwaseun was dissatisfied with how stakeholders handled Gender Based Violence (GBV) and sexual abuse survivors. Unsatisfied with the media’s representation, she created a blog to publish pieces that educate the public on these issues and provide a platform for survivors to speak without fear.
This led to the establishment of Stand to End Rape (STR), focusing on gender equality, government collaboration, and direct support for survivors through mental, medical, and legal aid. STR also educates communities on GBV and collaborates with healthcare and judicial systems, contributing to the 2015 passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill.
Amidst her advocacy work, Oluwaseun joined the British Council’s Future Leaders Programme, which focuses on public policy and advocacy. This allowed her to visit the UK House of Parliament, engage with MPs, and observe policy development and debate. She also attended a policy advocacy and communication course at the University of Cambridge, which helped her advocate for the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions Bill, now awaiting presidential assent.
“The Future leaders Programme has been instrumental for me as it was through the programme that I had the opportunity to witness first-hand the intricacies behind the policy making process. I was also able to learn about building partnership for systemic change through the programme. Through the programme I was able to learn how to build interest on policy amongst stakeholders, frame policy that would benefit the community and also engage with stakeholders on the opposite side.”
Leveraging lessons from the Future Leaders Programme, Oluwaseun partnered with the BBC to create the documentary “Sex for Grades,” exposing sexual harassment in tertiary institutions. This documentary helped her champion the Senate to pass the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions Bill, now awaiting presidential assent. She also launched www.teachmeconset.org, an online platform educating over 2000 learners on sexual harassment. As a council member of NALA Feminist Collective, Oluwaseun aims to shape policy across Africa, support communities, enhance accountability in advocacy, and address emerging issues like climate change’s impact on GBV.