….expresses passion for Person With Disabilities
Her election adds to an already impressive résumé. Recognized by Forbes as one of the top 100 environmentalists, Anita has dedicated herself to empowering young people and advocating for sustainability.
By Ola Kay
A 20-year-old Nigerian lady and student at the University of Oxford, Anita Okunde, has made history as she emerged the first-ever Black Woman to be elected as President of the prestigious Oxford University Union. breaks record at Oxford University, becomes first black woman .
Anita, the newly elected Union President is award-winning activist, I Will Ambassador, and public speaker focusing on intersectional climate justice and feminism expressed her joy on social media following her unusual feat.
According to the young Nigerian, the Oxford Union is “the most elite” institution, while ascribing her success story to her Christian faith, by quoting John 15:7.
Anita, who is pursuing a degree in Philosophy Politics, and Economics- PPE at the prestigious Oxford University posted on her X handle: “Anita First EVER black woman elected as Oxford Union President & a proud state school President, built not bought, a dying breed! It has been an honour, and I cannot wait to serve as your president. All the glory be to God honestly.”
She also spoke about her vision for the university Union in an interview with Cherwell, stating her plans to address underrepresentation in leadership roles, improve inclusivity, and provide better provisions for individuals with disabilities and other protected characteristics, among others.
“I believe that strengthening the Union’s financial position is essential to funding initiatives that would open the doors to a more diverse range of students and make them feel truly welcome,” she stated.
She shared her past commitments to promote women-focused initiatives, such as organizing professional headshot sessions and social gatherings.
“While these have been impactful, with additional resources, we could dramatically improve the scale and quality of these initiatives,” she said . The young lady’s connection to the Oxford Union runs deep from her father’s interest in it.
In another breath, she disclosed that, “My dad, who didn’t finish secondary school, uses the Oxford Union debates to understand English and the British accent. So, having my paper speech be part of that has always been something I take great personal pride in.”
Anita won the presidency for Trinity Term 2024 with 564 first-preference votes, narrowly defeating her opponent Siddhant Nagrath by 44 votes.
Her election adds to an already impressive résumé. Recognized by Forbes as one of the top 100 environmentalists, Anita has dedicated herself to empowering young people and advocating for sustainability.
The trailblazer once served as a Youth Commissioner for the Well-being of Future Generations Bill, a legislation advancing through the UK Parliament.
Her leadership experience includes a 20-month tenure as Treasurer of the Oxford Union, five months as Director of Media, and a recent role as Socioeconomic Officer. She was also an elected member of the Secretary’s Committee for seven months, all of which now equips her for the future to realize her goals.
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