Research Interests
- Human rights—women’s and children’s rights
- Refugee education
- Gender-based violence (GBV), with a focus on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA)
- United Nations human rights systems
- Pedagogies and inclusive education
- Protection of vulnerable population
Eucharia Uranta-Okonkwo is a dedicated human rights activist, researcher, and gender specialist with over a decade of experience in education, humanitarian work, and international development. Her expertise spans the Global South and Canada, with a particular focus on refugee education, gender equity, and social protection.
Her work bridges academia and practice, integrating research-driven approaches to advance Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). Her Ph.D. research at the University of Ottawa, under the supervision of Professor Nadia Abu-Zahra, explores inclusive pedagogy, gender analysis, and open educational resources to enhance access to quality education for marginalized communities, including refugees.
Eucharia was recently recognized by the International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI) as a Junior Scholar Fellow (ICSEI Junior Scholar Fellows), a distinction that acknowledges emerging scholars contributing to global educational research and practice.
Eucharia has held key roles in global organizations, including:
- UNICEF (2022–2023) – As a Protection Specialist in Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE), she provided technical support on GBV case management, developed standard operating procedures for PSEA, and strengthened UNICEF’s protection work in North-East Nigeria.
- Farm Radio International (2021) – As Country Program Manager in Nigeria, she advanced gender-responsive social protection policies and contributed to Nigeria’s $750 million World Bank-funded social assistance project and the UN Resolution 1325 State Action Plan.
- Médecins Sans Frontières (2018–2019) – She supported emergency response efforts during Lassa fever and yellow fever outbreaks in Nigeria.
- Community-Based Organizations (2012–2018) – She actively defended the rights of women and children through grassroots advocacy and social justice initiatives.
In Canada, Eucharia has served as a part-time professor at the University of Ottawa, teaching courses on gender and globalization and anti-colonial feminism. She also volunteers as a graduate representative and member of the Standing Committee on the Prevention of Sexual Violence at the university.
Currently, she consults for the World Refugee and Migration Council, working in collaboration with the Human Rights Research and Education Centre (HRREC) to implement the Voices in Exile Project. In this role, she supports exiled activists in advancing transnational advocacy, defending human rights, and driving policy change.
Eucharia is passionate about research-driven solutions, leveraging data, social media, and monitoring tools to promote human rights, education, and equity. Her commitment to fostering inclusive policies and transformative learning experiences continues to shape her contributions to academia and global development.