Spotlight: Impact Leader of the Month | Aderonke Olisa

The work of transforming communities often begins with individuals who see a gap and decide to do something about it. Aderonke Olisa is one of those leaders, someone who has dedicated her career to improving the health, safety, and opportunities available to girls and young women across Nigeria.

This month, Impact Journal proudly recognizes Aderonke Olisa as the Impact Leader of the Month, celebrating her work as a public health advocate, youth development practitioner, and Executive Director of the Omidan Health and Empowerment Initiative.

Aderonke Olisa is a public health professional, project manager, health educator, and gender equity advocate with years of experience working at the intersection of adolescent health, women’s empowerment, and community development. Her work focuses particularly on sexual and reproductive health education, menstrual health awareness, mental well-being, and the protection of girls from gender-based violence.

Her academic background reflects her passion for health and development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Lagos and later pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Ibadan, equipping her with the scientific and public health knowledge that now shapes the programs she leads today.

At the center of her work is the Omidan Health and Empowerment Initiative, a women-led organisation she founded to create safe spaces where adolescent girls and young women can access accurate health information, life-skills training, mentorship, and empowerment opportunities. Through Omidan Health, Aderonke leads evidence-based programs that combine community advocacy, health education, youth leadership, and digital storytelling to address some of the most pressing challenges affecting girls.

Under her leadership, the organisation has implemented outreach initiatives that address menstrual hygiene, adolescent reproductive health, gender-based violence prevention, and mental health awareness. Through community engagements, school-based programs, and digital campaigns, thousands of young people have gained access to critical information and support that helps them make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

One notable area of her advocacy is the fight against period poverty and menstrual stigma. Aderonke has been vocal about the need for improved access to menstrual hygiene products for girls and women, calling on government and stakeholders to subsidize sanitary pads so that no girl is forced to miss school or suffer health risks because of lack of access to basic menstrual care.

Her work also addresses the growing issue of gender-based and digital violence, particularly among young women navigating online spaces. Through Omidan Health’s advocacy campaigns, Aderonke has continued to highlight the need for stronger digital safety frameworks, survivor support systems, and community awareness around the dangers of cyber harassment and online abuse.

A key initiative under her leadership is the Girls Thrive Project, a program designed to empower adolescent girls with practical knowledge and life skills. The program provides training on menstrual health, mental wellness, confidence building, and vocational skills, helping girls develop both the knowledge and economic capabilities needed to navigate their futures with confidence.

Beyond program implementation, Aderonke is also passionate about mentorship and youth leadership development. Through initiatives such as InspireHerAfrica, she has mentored young women to build confidence, pursue education, and develop leadership potential. Her work recognizes that empowering girls goes beyond education, it requires sustained mentorship, supportive environments, and opportunities to grow.

Over the years, her programs have reached tens of thousands of young people through digital health education and thousands more through community outreach and empowerment programs. By combining public health knowledge with grassroots engagement, she continues to expand access to information and services that can transform the lives of young girls.

What makes Aderonke Olisa’s leadership particularly impactful is her commitment to creating safe spaces where girls can learn, speak, and grow without fear or stigma. She believes that when girls are equipped with knowledge, confidence, and supportive communities, they become powerful agents of change in their families and communities.

Through Omidan Health Initiative, she continues to advocate for a future where every girl has access to accurate health information, protection from violence, and opportunities to thrive.

At Impact Journal, we celebrate leaders whose work is creating measurable change in the lives of others.

Aderonke Olisa represents that spirit of leadership, combining public health expertise, grassroots advocacy, and mentorship to build healthier, safer futures for girls and young women.

Congratulations to Aderonke Olisa, Impact Journal’s Impact Leader of the Month.