Advocacy has to shape, it must be transformative.
Following her revealing, meticulous and life transforming Advocacy over the years, a Nigerian Catholic nun, Sr. Francisca Ngozi Uti, has been named the 2024 Opus Prize laureate.
The prestigious $1.2 million award was presented to Sr. Francisca for her exceptional efforts in championing the rights of women and girls through the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI), based in Abuja, Nigeria.
The award ceremony, held on November 14 at Santa Clara University in California, celebrated Sr. Francisca’s dedication to empowering marginalized women and addressing systemic injustices. Her work with CWSI has been transformative, fostering political awareness, social responsibility, and economic independence among women in Nigeria. The initiative also advocates for gender equality in government roles and policies to combat gender-based violence across five Nigerian states.
Expressing her gratitude, Sr. Francisca said, “Words seem inadequate to capture the depth of my joy. My heart overflows with gratitude for this recognition, which validates the work my team and I have tirelessly pursued in remote communities.” She credited the award to the resilience of women and girls whose lives have been positively impacted by CWSI’s mission.
The Opus Prize Foundation lauded Sr. Francisca for embodying the spirit of faith-filled social entrepreneurship. Her mission aligns with the foundation’s commitment to honoring leaders who address the world’s pressing social issues through innovative and sustainable solutions.
Acording to her, the funds will be used to expand CWSI’s outreach, enabling the organization to serve more communities in need.
Sr. Francisca in a short speech highlighted her personal journey, attributing her drive to her father’s sacrifices to ensure she received an education, despite societal limitations. She also paid tribute to Mother Mary Charles Magdalene Walker, the foundress of her congregation, the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus, whose vision for empowering women inspired her.
CWSI’s work is particularly significant in a country where women face barriers to education, leadership, and safety. Through workshops, advocacy, and mentorship programs, the center equips women with tools to overcome adversity and thrive. Sr. Francisca reaffirmed her commitment to this cause, stating:
“This recognition comes with a responsibility. We will not betray the trust placed in us.”
The ceremony also celebrated two other Opus Prize finalists. Fr. Zachariah Presutti, founder of the Thrive for Life Prison Project in New York, and the leadership of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Romania, each received $100,000 to further their impactful initiatives.
Sr. Francisca’s achievement marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria and highlights the global relevance of her work. As she continues her mission, the recognition provides a platform to inspire broader efforts in addressing gender inequities and empowering the vulnerable.
The Opus Prize, often called the “Nobel Prize for faith-based work,” reflects the enduring power of faith and service in shaping a more just and compassionate world.
