TIERs Introduces The Freedom Awards, And Nominations Are Open

The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs) is recognizing and awarding the efforts of individuals and organizations in Human Rights Activism in Nigeria with The Freedom Awards 2019.

The Freedom Awards were created to honour individuals, organizations, agencies or brands who are working to create an equal society free from discrimination and marginalization. The first Freedom Awards and Gala event will be held in 2019. With this event, the intention is to bring together individuals, organizations and other partners who are working together and separately to champion the cause for equality and human rights in their various fields in Nigeria. It will also be a platform for connecting, networking and celebrating the successes made so far.

The various categories aim to honour individuals, organizations, agencies or brands who are working to create an equal society free from discrimination and marginalization.

However, it is up to you to nominate those who are deserving in the three categories below. Kindly read each category carefully, and ensure that the person you are nominating qualifies. Nominees must be living and doing work in Nigeria.

The three categories that require your nominations are:

SOGIESC Rights Activist of the Year

This award recognizes an individual who has selflessly fought and advocated for the social, political, economic, health or other rights of LGBTQI+ persons in the year ending. The individual must be residing in, and doing work in Nigeria.

The Young Activist Award

This award recognizes and appreciates the human rights work of a young person advocating for LGBTQI+ persons and issues, opening new spaces and starting new conversations. This individual must be under 27 years and be residing in, and doing work in Nigeria.

The Ally Award

This award recognizes an LGBTQI+ ally who speaks up and stands for LGBTQI+ persons in the face of hate and prejudice. The awardee may be doing work in creating safe spaces or programmes that promote LGBTQI+ rights and visibility. The awardee could also be a friend, family member or other acquaintance who has protected, defended and upheld the rights of their LGBTQI+ associate. You may nominate an individual, agency, organization or a brand. Awardees must be based in Nigeria.

The final awardees are not selected based on the number of nominations you send in. So, multiple nominations from one person is not necessary.

Nominations close on the 29th of November. So click over HERE to begin nominating.