Do Foundation Unveils Criteria for Gender Champions Hall of Fame

Do Foundation Unveils Criteria for Gender Champions Hall of FameThe Dise Ogbise Foundation (DO), a Niger Delta-based gender advocacy organisation, has outlined criteria for inducting gender champions into its Hall of Fame.The foundation said the initiative would recognise individuals who had demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to gender equality and social justice.Dr Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, President and Founder of the foundation, disclosed this at a media briefing in Yenagoa.She said nominees would be recognised for combating social injustice, inequality, oppression and violence against women, girls, boys and other vulnerable persons.Ogbise said the Gender Champions Hall of Fame was designed to celebrate individuals whose contributions had advanced gender equality, inclusion and human development.She said the initiative would also honour contributions to women’s empowerment and opportunities for people affected by gender-based violence and social prejudice.According to her, the initiative is based on the belief that societies progress when people who challenge discrimination and promote equal opportunities are recognised.“The Hall of Fame is not merely an awards platform, but a repository of exemplary leadership and service,” she said.Ogbise said the stories and achievements of outstanding gender champions would be preserved to inspire present and future generations.She explained that inductees’ images, achievements and biographies would be permanently inscribed or etched at the designated Hall of Fame.She said a Selection Committee had been constituted to ensure that the process was credible, transparent, inclusive and based on demonstrable achievements.The committee would consider nominees from public service, politics, law, business, education, medicine, academia, civil society, media and entertainment.It would also consider nominees from traditional institutions, philanthropy and other sectors that had contributed to gender equality and human development.Ogbise said the committee would assess measurable contributions to women’s advancement, girl-child development and protection of vulnerable persons, including boys.It would also examine contributions to education, economic empowerment, leadership opportunities and access to professional advancement.She said the committee would recognise both established and emerging champions, including people whose contributions had not received adequate public recognition.According to her, selection would be based on merit rather than political affiliation, personal relationships, social status or financial influence.She said the committee would maintain high standards of integrity and independence while preserving the stories and achievements of inductees.Ogbise said the selection process would have two major categories: Institutional and Individual.She listed the criteria to include sustained commitment to gender equality and inclusion and demonstrable impact on vulnerable groups.Others, she said, included leadership that had broken barriers, advocacy for women’s rights and dignity, and contributions to education and economic empowerment.The criteria would also cover legislative, judicial, policy or institutional reforms advancing gender equality, as well as humanitarian and community service.Mentorship, development of future women leaders, courage, integrity and consistency in promoting gender equity would also be considered.Ogbise said the committee would further consider the lasting or transformative nature of a nominee’s contributions.She said nominees who inspired institutional or societal change beyond personal achievements would receive particular consideration.She stressed that the credibility of the Hall of Fame depended on the integrity and independence of its selection process.Committee members, she said, would be required to disclose potential conflicts of interest and recuse themselves where impartiality could be compromised.The committee would also request relevant documentation and credible evidence of achievements before recommending nominees for induction.Ogbise said the initiative sought to identify men and women who had used their positions, talents, resources and influence to advance equality.She said recognition would be based on impact, courage, service, leadership and legacy rather than titles held or previous awards received.She encouraged members of the public, institutions, professional bodies and civil society organisations to nominate deserving individuals.The foundation urged stakeholders to provide credible evidence of achievements and impact rather than relying on popularity or public visibility.Ogbise said recognition could serve as an instrument for social transformation by encouraging more people to champion equality.She said the Gender Champions Hall of Fame would promote a lasting culture of recognising people who had helped build a more equitable society.The Gender Champions Hall of Fame is scheduled for Oct. 9 to Oct. 11, 2026, while its fundraising gala is fixed for Aug. 30.The gala will hold at Domaris Hotel, Sanni Abacha Expressway, Yenagoa, Bayelsa.The foundation said its message remained simple: celebrate those who opened doors, honour those who broke barriers and preserve their stories.“Recognising Leadership. Celebrating Impact. Inspiring Equality.”