Nigerian-Born Shulamite Ezechi Wins Scotland’s Social Leader of the Year Award

Nigerian-born women’s empowerment advocate, author and founder of ANYiSO Charity Organisation, Shulamite Ezechi, has won the Social Leader of the Year award at the Scottish Women’s Awards.

Ezechi, who is based in Scotland, was the only African among this year’s award recipients, earning national recognition for her community leadership and work supporting women, children, young people and families.

The award comes shortly after ANYiSO marked its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of community support, women’s empowerment and initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for children, young people and families.

ANYiSO, which means “We Belong” in Igbo, is a registered charity supporting ethnic-minority communities, refugees, asylum seekers, women and families experiencing hardship.

The organisation provides practical assistance and programmes designed to promote inclusion, independence and community participation.

Its services include a food bank, English-language classes, digital skills training, drop-in sessions, employability support, and health and wellbeing programmes.

The charity also provides music, creative and learning activities for children and young people, helping them develop confidence, self-expression and connections within their communities.

Ezechi’s recognition highlights the contribution of African and migrant women to communities in Scotland and the impact of grassroots leadership.

The award also reflects the work of ANYiSO’s trustees, staff, volunteers, funders, partners and supporters, whose collective efforts have helped sustain the organisation’s programmes over the past decade.

Ezechi has previously been recognised for her community work in Scotland. She became the first Black person to receive the Scot Parents Award in 2019, while ANYiSO was named Charity of the Year at the 2021 Prestige Awards.

She has also received the Inspiration to the BME Community Award from Glasgow City Chambers.

As ANYiSO begins its second decade, Ezechi is expected to continue her work supporting women, children and young people and helping families facing social and economic challenges.

Her latest recognition places her community work on a wider national platform and highlights the role of migrant-led organisations in supporting inclusion and social development in Scotland.