Lois Auta
(She)
Cedar Seed Foundation (CSF) | Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD)
NIGERIA
About Lois
Lois Auta is a business executive, disability inclusion expert, and global advocate for women and girls with disabilitiesPlease share with us how you want to be named on our website: name, pronoun, country, organization Lois Auta, She, Nigeria, Cedar Seed Foundation (CSF); Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD) . She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of Abuja and has various certificates in global business, project management, and personal branding. As the Founder and CEO of the Network of Women with Disabilities, she empowers women with disabilities globally.
A Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum and Mandela Washington Fellow, Lois has driven diversity and inclusion in Nigeria and internationally. She founded initiatives such as Cedar Seed Foundation, E-Ability Platform, and Disabled People in Leadership Initiative. In 2017, she became the first black woman with a disability to be named a Young Global Leader in Africa and Nigeria.
Lois has met global leaders like Barack and Michelle Obama and Cyril Ramaphosa. A polio survivor, she is celebrated worldwide for her resilience, leadership, and dedication to disability rights.
My personal interest in well-being, care, and resilience for activists is deeply rooted in my experiences as a disability inclusion expert, global advocate, and leader of several organizations that champion the rights and empowerment of women and girls with disabilities. As someone who has personally faced and overcome significant challenges, including being a polio survivor, I understand the immense physical, emotional, and mental toll that activism can take on individuals. Activists, particularly those advocating for marginalized groups, often work under intense pressure, facing systemic barriers, resistance, and the constant need to challenge the status quo. This has fueled my passion for creating environments and initiatives that prioritize self-care, well-being, and resilience-building for activists, especially those in disability advocacy and human rights work.
In my role as the Global President, Founder, and CEO of the Network of Women with Disabilities, I have spearheaded initiatives that focus not only on the empowerment of women with disabilities but also on the mental and emotional resilience needed to sustain long-term advocacy. The challenges faced by women with disabilities can be overwhelming, ranging from discrimination and lack of access to basic services to exclusion from policy discussions and economic opportunities. For this reason, I have ensured that our network places a strong emphasis on mental health support, peer counseling, and self-care practices. It is essential for activists to be equipped with tools that help them manage burnout, stress, and emotional fatigue so they can continue to advocate effectively and passionately.
Through the various organizations I have founded, such as the Cedar Seed Foundation and Disabled People in Leadership Initiative, I have also worked to develop a culture of care within advocacy groups. Recognizing that resilience comes from both individual and collective strength, I encourage building communities of support among activists. This involves not only sharing resources and strategies for self-care but also fostering a sense of belonging and understanding, which is crucial for those who often feel isolated in their fight for rights and inclusion.
My own experience as an advocate, having met with global leaders like Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Cyril Ramaphosa, has shown me the importance of resilience and well-being in maintaining one’s capacity to lead effectively. Activists often carry the weight of their communities’ struggles on their shoulders, and without proper care, it is easy to experience burnout. This is why I am committed to promoting strategies that help activists sustain their passion and commitment while protecting their well-being.
In conclusion, my personal journey and professional work have made me a strong proponent of embedding well-being and resilience into the fabric of activism. Ensuring that activists have access to the care and support they need is essential for the sustainability of their efforts and the achievement of long-term, meaningful change.
About Cedar Seed Foundation (CSF) & The Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD)
The Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD), founded by Lois Auta, is a global organization dedicated to empowering women and girls with disabilities. NWD focuses on areas like gender equality, inclusive education, economic empowerment, and leadership development. By advocating for disability rights and collaborating with partners, NWD ensures access to opportunities that promote the full participation of women and girls with disabilities in society.
Lois also founded the Cedar Seed Foundation (CSF), a non-profit organization that focuses on disability inclusion and advocacy. CSF promotes awareness of disability rights, supports economic empowerment, and enhances access to education, healthcare, and governance for persons with disabilities. CSF’s initiatives, like the Disabled People in Leadership Initiative and the E-Ability Platform, aim to dismantle barriers and foster an inclusive environment.
Both NWD and CSF work at local and global levels to advocate for the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, creating pathways for meaningful societal change.
Lois, CSF and NWD can provide:
As a consultant, I offer expertise in disability inclusion, diversity, and empowerment, specializing in developing strategies for inclusive education, leadership development, and economic empowerment. I help organizations design and implement disability-inclusive policies and programs, ensuring accessibility and equity. Additionally, I provide guidance on advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and organizational development for social impact.
To collaborate or inquire about services, please reach out via email at auta.lois@gmail.com