Nigerian-born Amanda Amaeshi, a UCL law student and youth activist, has been named My Life My Say’s 2024 ‘Changemaker of the Year.’ Known for championing gender equality, anti-racism, and youth advocacy, she continues to influence policy and inspire change globally through her impactful initiatives and collaborative efforts.
Nigerian-born activist Amanda Amaeshi has been recognized as My Life My Say’s ‘Changemaker of the Year’ for 2024. The announcement was made during the charity’s ‘Next Generation Conference’ held on November 22 at London’s Barbican Centre, an event that brought together youth leaders, activists, and policymakers to address societal challenges.
The award, decided by public vote, highlights Amaeshi’s impactful work in gender equality, anti-racism, and youth advocacy. A final-year law student at University College London (UCL), Amaeshi has been an influential voice in policy discussions and social justice campaigns.
Her accomplishments include winning the 2017 ‘Young Reporters for the Environment competition for her insights into tackling food waste in Scotland and serving as a 2018 Year of Young People ambassador, where she championed youth political engagement. She was also featured in the WOW Foundation’s Young Leaders Directory and the Glasgow Times' ‘Young Scotswoman of the Year.’
In her acceptance speech, Amaeshi emphasized the collective nature of her work, stating, “This award isn’t just about me; it represents the impact of collaborative efforts to create positive societal change.”
Amaeshi continues to advocate for women and girls as a member of Scotland’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls. Her ongoing work with Girlguiding’s national advocate panel allows her to address issues affecting young women while engaging decision-makers across various sectors.
