Kate Okoh-Kpina: Pioneering Gender Justice and Inclusion Across Africa’s Legal Landscape
By Esther Oyo - Legal Africa
In the vibrant tapestry of Africa’s legal landscape, few figures stand out as prominently as Kate Nkechi Okoh-Kpina. A distinguished legal expert, she has dedicated her career to championing gender equity, inclusion, and transformative justice across the continent.
A Legacy Rooted in Law
Born into a family deeply entrenched in the legal profession, with her father serving as a High Court judge, Kate’s passion for justice was ignited early on. She pursued her legal studies at the University of Benin, Nigeria, earning her LL.B, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012. Her academic journey led her to the University College London, where she obtained an LL.M in International Law as the esteemed 2013 John Carr Scholar. Further honing her expertise, Kate acquired certifications from the Harvard Negotiation Institute in Boston and the International Court of Arbitration in Paris, specializing in arbitration and negotiation.
Bridging Law and Development
Kate’s professional trajectory seamlessly blends legal practice with international development. She commenced her career at TRLPLAW Solicitors and Advocates, focusing on power, infrastructure, and securities. In 2017, she joined the German International Cooperation (GIZ) as a Rule of Law Advisor for the Police Programme Africa. In this role, she was instrumental in implementing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 in Nigeria, emphasizing prosecution-led investigations and fostering inter-agency collaboration .
Championing Gender and Inclusion
Currently, Kate leads the Gender, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Secretariat at GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS. Her leadership has been pivotal in advising on corporate culture and ensuring inclusive programming. Under her guidance, initiatives such as improved accessibility for persons with disabilities, provision of per diems for child minders accompanying nursing mothers on business trips, and the establishment of men’s safe spaces for mental health discussions have been implemented .
Advocacy and Thought Leadership
Beyond her organizational roles, Kate is a prolific writer and speaker. Her articles, available on platforms like academia.edu, delve into topics ranging from gender rights to criminal justice reforms . In her TEDx talk titled “Equal Access & Social Inclusion: Nigeria’s Unfinished Promise,” she passionately discusses the importance of legal frameworks in protecting the rights of vulnerable groups in Nigeria .
A Beacon for African Women in Law
Kate’s unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion positions her as a beacon for African women in law. Her journey underscores the transformative power of combining legal expertise with a deep-seated passion for societal change. As we celebrate African women in law, Kate Okoh-Kpina’s story serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have in shaping a more equitable future.
