Olukemi Ibikunle, a Nigerian corrections officer, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 United Nations Trailblazer Award for Women Justice and Corrections Officers in recognition of her exceptional efforts in advancing prison reform and rehabilitation within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Currently serving as the Corrections Unit Engineer for the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Ibikunle has been acknowledged for spearheading innovative infrastructure projects and rehabilitation programs that elevate prison conditions to meet global standards while strengthening local correctional institutions.
The award presentation, now in its third year, is scheduled for this Wednesday at 10 a.m. (ET) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, with the UN Deputy Secretary-General set to confer the honor.
According to a statement from the UN House in Abuja, the event will also include keynote addresses from prominent figures such as Margaret Satterthwaite, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers; Amy Jarrette, Deputy Commissioner for Women at Correctional Service Canada; alongside delegates from multiple UN member countries.
Ibikunle is widely recognized for her commitment to fostering humane correctional environments, grounded in her belief that “lasting peace starts within prison walls.” She emphasizes that upholding dignity, ensuring safety, and promoting rehabilitation in detention centers are essential foundations for sustainable peace and societal harmony.
Reflecting on her accolade, Ibikunle remarked, “This recognition transcends a personal achievement; it shines a light on the many women and girls whose voices are often overlooked and whose aspirations are limited by societal norms.”
Since her appointment to MONUSCO in 2020, Ibikunle has led numerous impactful initiatives. Notably, she oversaw the development of a state-of-the-art secure prison facility in Kabare, tailored to accommodate high-risk inmates, including armed group affiliates. Additionally, she crafted a comprehensive model prison design for the DRC, a pioneering framework aimed at standardizing detention infrastructure and enhancing inmate welfare nationwide.
Her innovative Biogas Project at Uvira Prison has garnered global praise. This eco-friendly initiative transforms waste into renewable energy, significantly improving sanitation and environmental conditions within the prison. Beyond its green benefits, the project offers inmates vocational training, equipping them with valuable skills that aid their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into the community.
Launched in 2022 by the Justice and Corrections Service under the Office for the Rule of Law and Security Institutions within the UN Department of Peace Operations, the Trailblazer Award honors women officers in UN peace missions who break down gender biases and institutional obstacles in justice and correctional sectors.
Despite increased female participation in peacekeeping roles over recent years, the UN acknowledges ongoing challenges. Gender discrimination and entrenched stereotypes continue to limit women’s access to leadership positions, even as the UN advances initiatives like the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy to promote equality.
The UN highlighted that Ibikunle’s achievement exemplifies the transformative impact women can have when empowered to lead, particularly in complex and demanding operational settings.