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News and Updates
2023-2024 Program
In 2023 and 2024, gender equality remained a pressing social development issue, with significant challenges and opportunities shaping the global landscape. Women continued to face disparities in education, economic participation, and political representation, with systemic barriers often exacerbated by cultural norms and legal frameworks.
In sub-Saharan Africa, for instance, the gender gap in education and economic opportunities persisted, limiting the potential for women to contribute fully to societal progress. However, there were also inspiring strides, such as increased advocacy for women's rights, grassroots movements challenging harmful practices, and initiatives promoting women's leadership in various sectors.
Recognizing the transformative power of empowering women, the foundation has prioritized supporting African women, who often face intersecting challenges of gender and regional inequities. By investing in their education, entrepreneurship, and leadership, the foundation aims to foster sustainable development and uplift entire communities. This commitment was exemplified by its sponsorship of the Nigeria Magazine's Women's Awards in March 2024, held in Mayfair, London, celebrating the achievements of outstanding women and reinforcing the importance of gender equality as a cornerstone of progress.
2022-2023 Program
The Irene Ododo Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to improving lives and the promotion of art. The foundation makes periodic grants and donations as judged suitable by the trustees to advance the causes that Irene Ododo was passionate about. On an annual basis, the foundation's trustees select recipients to support financially over the coming year. In 2022, there were four recipients of support from the Irene Ododo Foundation.
Selected Foundation Recipients
01
National Museum Benin City
Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
National Museum Benin City is a premier national museum. It was opened in 1973. It boasts a notable number of historic and cultural artifacts like the bronze figures, cast iron pieces, and terracotta related to the Benin Empire. The Museum is regard has one of the richest among the National Museums in Nigeria in respect to the amount of history it holds. The Benin Museum is working to have returned the thousands of artifacts that were stolen from the city over a century ago. Irene Ododo Odaro's father, Chief U.M Lawal Osula, The Arala of Benin Kingdom, was an avid proponent who pursued the return of Benin art.
03
Lincoln's Inn Fields
London, England
UK
Lincoln's Inn Fields is the largest public square in London. It was laid out in the 1630s under the initiative of the speculative builder and contractor William Newton, "the first in a long series of entrepreneurs who took a hand in developing London".Lincoln's Inn Fields takes its name from the adjacent Lincoln's Inn, of which the private gardens are separated from the Fields by a perimeter wall and a large gatehouse.
02
Oronsaye Maternity and Orphanage Home
Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
The Oronsaye Maternity and Orphanage Home was founded 70 years ago by Princess Katherine Oronsaye. It is dedicated to helping vulnerable children particularly focused on providing a safe home, access to education and health care for orphaned children. The organization runs a maternity home and orphanage, providing support and guidance to women and children in need. It was the first maternity home in Benin City and has reportedly supported thousands of children over the years.
04
Edo Global Arts Foundation
Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Edo Global Arts Foundation is a not for profit organization that promotes and supports African arts and culture. The Foundation seeks to further develop Edo State and empower its citizens and inhabitants through the arts & crafts they produce. It aims to connect the world to Edo State through innovative solutions and rich arts heritage; ensuring creativity through arts and cultural landmarks in the Benin kingdom. The foundation cultivates artistic talents, connect communities and create more employers by supporting the production, presentation and propagation of arts created from Edo State.
