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Ehinor Otaigbe-Amedu - MBE
PERFECTION IS ACHIEVED NOT WHEN THERE IS NOTHING MORE TO ADD, BUT WHEN THERE IS NOTHING LEFT TO TAKE AWAY
In the heart of Manchester’s Clayton neighbourhood, Ehinor Otaigbe-Amedu transformed her modest home into a beacon of hope in 2011.
As a single mother, she channelled her resilience and resourcefulness into founding Wonderfully Made Woman, a sanctuary for empowerment and community, especially for women and girls.
Driven by her own experiences, Ehinor scrimped and saved for three months to launch the organisation’s website, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. Wonderfully Made Woman quickly became more than an organisation; it was a lifeline.
Every Wednesday, Ehinor’s home would come alive with the chatter and laughter of local women who, after dropping off their children at school, gathered for coffee mornings. In these sessions, they found not just solace but also a sense of belonging.
As the Founder and CEO, Ehinor fostered an environment where women and girls could be educated, empowered, and encouraged to lead fulfilling lives. Her leadership significantly elevated their confidence and self-esteem.
Ehinor often reflects, “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” This philosophy underpins her mission to help women rediscover their self-worth through the lens of Christ and to mentor them in cultivating thriving marriages.
Drawing from her personal journey of rediscovering confidence after her own eight-year marriage ended, Ehinor has become a symbol of joy and resilience, guiding women through their marital journeys, and celebrating numerous happy unions.
On March 8, 2021, in recognition of International Women’s Day, Ehinor’s humanitarian efforts were honoured with The Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award. This prestigious accolade celebrated her exceptional support for women and girls in need. Her leadership led Wonderfully Made Woman to receive The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020, the UK’s highest honour for volunteer groups, akin to an MBE. Furthermore, in 2023, Ehinor’s relentless dedication and impact were recognised with the Pride of Britain Award for community service, a testament to her significant contributions to society.
Ehinor’s experiences as a single mother inspired her to challenge stereotypes and lend a supporting hand to other single mothers. Her organisation pioneered the first UK befriending service for single mothers, focusing on mental and emotional rejuvenation.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ehinor stood as a pillar of strength. She kept the flame of community and self-esteem burning through virtual events and personal calls.
Under her guidance, Wonderfully Made Woman initiated the first African food bank and Pidgin English translation services in Greater Manchester, providing aid to over 1,890 people since 2020. Ehinor’s relentless commitment extended beyond immediate relief. She facilitated access to housing benefits, childcare, and immigration support for hundreds of women.
Her professional journey includes impactful roles at British Gas and the Department for Work and Pensions. However, her passion for serving others led her to juggle her job and the responsibilities of her growing charity.
Her leadership skills shone brightly as she chaired the Women’s Affairs at Nigeria Community Manchester (NCM), significantly enhancing community support and involvement. Ehinor is a vital member of The Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Research Advisory Group (BRAG) and participates in numerous community research projects. She is also an active member of The UK BME Anti-Slavery Innovators and the Greater Manchester Answer Cancer Champion, raising awareness on early detection and prevention of cancer, Female Genital Mutilation, and Women Empowerment Workshops. Her involvement in the Mama Health and Poverty partnership in Greater Manchester further illustrates her dedication to creating a safe, fair, and dignified environment for women.
Complementing her legal background, Ehinor pursued additional qualifications in Counselling, Care, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Her continuous quest for knowledge and tools to drive positive change is evident in her management of the Wonderfully Made Woman Centre Nigeria, which focuses on alleviating poverty and improving the lives of women and girls. Ehinor’s outreach encompasses churches, seminars, and community gatherings, where she speaks, solves problems, and inspires, fuelling a movement of change agents in the charity sector.
Blessed with two children, Ehinor’s personal life is enriched by the steadfast support of her husband, Musa Amedu. His encouragement and partnership have been a cornerstone in her journey, both personally and professionally.
Outside her professional realm, Ehinor finds joy in dancing, cooking, and cherishing moments with her family. Her life, richly lived and generously shared, embodies the essence of giving back and nurturing a community of empowered and inspired women and girls.