Ruth Chidimma Okafor is a gender inclusion and good governance advocate who strongly advocates for reduced inequality. She is currently employed as a Programmes Associate at Connected Development, where she leads campaigns to reduce inequality faced by women, children, and youths in over 15 states in Nigeria. Ruth constantly advocates for policies that protect the girl-child, boys, youths, and women. 

She spearheaded the Galvanizing Mass Action Against Gender-Based Violence Project in Kano State, leading the campaign for the passage of the Child Protection Bill and Violence against Persons Prohibition Bill. Due to her advocacies, the Child Protection bill was domesticated in Kano state on the 27th of May, 2023. 

Additionally, Ruth leads the Deepening Citizens Interest in Government Spending and Addressing Accompanied Corrupt Practices (DeSPAAC) in Kaduna state. Her team has tracked over NGN 9.5 billion worth of constituency projects through this project. A constituency nomination and monitoring tool was also developed through this project to capture the needs of marginalized communities. The tool was subsequently adopted by the Kaduna State and Federal Legislative representatives.

Ruth has worked on numerous projects and voluntary activities. She developed a toolkit for gender equality campaigns for communities working to tackle GBV. She has also worked on various research proposals on the effects of COVID-19 on girls’ education in non-conflict states in Nigeria. 

Ruth is a community mobilizer who actively mobilizes marginalized communities for social change. She is a strong advocate for women’s inclusion and participation in governance processes and politics. Her work earned her the OXFAM 2022 Youth Spotlight Award. She is driven by the sole purpose of reducing inequalities, especially faced by women and youths in society, and providing these communities with platforms to reach their potential. 

Ruth is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Imo State Owerri, with a Diploma in Project Management. She believes in creating a thriving environment for young people regardless of ethnicity, gender, or group. Ruth enjoys sporting activities, music, and deep-rooted conversations centered around society and development.