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Glory's son meeting Nelson Mandela
Helping Women and Children
A nurse administers soy milk to a malnourished child held by her mother. Kilanko worked in organizations such as Women in Nigeria (WIN) to advance the causes of Nigerian women and their families.
National Geographic/Getty Images
Genital Mutilation
An educator acts out the part of a traditional circumciser for a play warning of the risks associated with female genital mutilation. Genital mutilation, often conducted with unsanitary instruments, is a rite of passage for many young African girls. Kilanko has actively worked to stop the practice, arguing that “nobody has the right to decide on behalf of any child what part of their bodies should be cut.”
Associated Press
Ken Saro-Wiwa
Environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa was hanged by the Nigerian government November 10, 1995 because of his nonviolent protests against the environmental degradation of his native Ogoniland from crude oil extraction. Royal Dutch Shell Company began extracting crude oil from the Niger delta in the 1950s, leading to the destruction of the natural environment.
Associated Press
Protesting General Sani Abacha
A crowd of National Democratic Coalition supporters gathered in Lagos on December 19, 1995 to protest against the military regime of General Sani Abacha. Officials banned the demonstration because of security concerns, a common excuse to ban opposition protestors.
Associated Press
National Democratic Coalition Demonstration
Women and men protest the military regime of General Sani Abacha as part of a demonstration by the National Democratic Coalition on December 19, 1995. The National Democratic Coalition represented the mass-resistance against military rule.
Associated Press
Suspension of Nigeria from Commonwealth of Nations
After the execution of Ken Siro-Wiwa, the Commonwealth of Nations suspended Nigeria on November 11, 1995. The Commonwealth of Nations was holding their Heads of Government meeting in Auckland, New Zealand at the time, and Kilanko motioned to suspend Nigeria during the meeting.
Associated Press
Activism for Women and Girls
Kilanko has worked throughout her life to better the lives of young girls as an advocate against forced early childhood marriage and female genital mutilation, and as champion for the economic betterment of women, both in Nigeria and the United States.
Sally Mayman
Condemnation of Nigeria's Suspension
Nigerian Foreign Minister Chief Tomi Ikimi, seen on the right, confers with his advisers during a press conference in Auckland on November 13, 1995. He condemned Nigeria’s suspension from the Commonwealth of Nations following the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and other activists.
AFP/Getty Images
Ibrahim Babangida
Nigerian military leader Ibrahim Babangida controlled the country from 1985 until 1993. In 1986, Babangida agreed to take a loan from the IMF after public debate in Nigeria had been strongly against it. This led to massive demonstrations against the government.
AFP/Getty Images
Refugees escaping Nigeria
Refugees leave Nigeria for Benin in 1982. Kilanko moved to the United States after being exiled from Nigeria. She works in the US to help immigrants and refugees through Women Watch Afrika.
Getty Images
Sarah Jibril
Sarah Jibril, the first woman to run for president in Nigeria, campaigning on January 14, 2011. The current president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, named Jibril Special Adviser to the President on Ethics and Values on July 17, 2012.
AFP/Getty Images
Carrying Water
Kilanko remembers as a student in Port Harcourt having to collect water for her school. Boys from another school harassed Kilanko and her fellow students, and stole their water. Kilanko stood up to the school and protested against the policy, which resulted in the school overturning it.
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Nigerian President General Sani Abacha
Nigerian President General Sani Abacha at the airport of Abuja in 1996. Abacha banned opposition and dissent and enforced his policies through a strong security force during his rule. He committed extensive human rights offensives before his sudden death in 1998. After his death, Nigeria began a transition to civil rule.
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