Amanda Amaeshi Named My Life My Say’s ‘Changemaker of the Year’ for 2024
Amanda Amaeshi, a distinguished activist and campaigner, has been awarded the title of ‘Changemaker of the Year’ by My Life My Say for 2024. The accolade, determined through public voting, was revealed during the organization’s ‘Next Generation Conference’ held on November 22, 2024, at the Barbican Centre in London.
Amanda Amaeshi, currently in her final year of studying LLB Law at University College London (UCL), has continually harnessed her voice to shape policy and champion social justice initiatives. Her father, Prof. Kenneth Amaeshi, conveyed this news to the press, highlighting the significance of the event, which drew together hundreds of young individuals and prominent figures from various fields, including activist speakers and politicians, all focused on addressing key societal challenges.
As a proud representative of the Amaimo community in Imo, Amanda’s advocacy work centers on gender equality, anti-racism, and amplifying youth voices. She stood out among a group of remarkable nominees, which included youth leader Yahye Abdi, social entrepreneur Abdirahman Ahmed, TV personality Georgia Harrison, climate activist Clover Hogan, and artist Jordan Stephens.
Reflecting on Amanda’s advocacy journey, Prof. Amaeshi noted her early involvement in social issues. In 2017, she was recognized in the Young Reporters for the Environment competition for her writings on solutions to food waste in Scotland. Her activism gained substantial traction when she became an ambassador for the Year of Young People 2018, focusing on youth engagement in politics and rights—topics that resonate with young people across Scotland.
Her role as a member of Girlguiding’s National Advocate Panel allowed Amanda to voice concerns affecting girls and young women in the UK, reaching influential audiences, including CEOs and policymakers, through her speeches and interviews in various media outlets.
Currently serving as a Young Spokesperson for Girlguiding Scotland and participating on Scotland’s First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls (NACWG), Amanda is instrumental in ensuring that the perspectives of youth contribute to policy discussions, driving accountability within the Scottish Government regarding issues that impact girls and young women.
Prof. Amaeshi, who serves as the Chief Economic Adviser to Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo, emphasized Amanda’s contributions as a columnist for the Scottish newspaper The National, further elevating her advocacy and challenging societal norms through her insightful perspectives.
Her dedication is also evident in her collaborations with organizations such as the Young Women’s Movement Scotland, Intercultural Youth Scotland, and the National Youth Agency in England, showcasing her steadfast commitment to promoting inclusive practices across various domains.
Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Amanda was featured on the Young Women’s Movement’s 30 Under 30 list in 2020, included in the WOW Foundation’s Young Leaders Directory in 2022, and honored as the Glasgow Times Young Scotswoman of the Year in 2020.
During the Next Generation Conference, Amanda expressed her heartfelt gratitude as she accepted her award, thanking everyone who supported her throughout her advocacy journey. She reiterated her commitment to leveraging her platform to inspire others to effect change and encouraged everyone to play their part in creating a better world.
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