Amb & Mrs A. I. Atta

HeForShe Award

For Integrity, Leadership, and Allyship

An annual WISCAR recognition for men who lead with integrity and use their influence, platforms and leadership to create meaningful opportunities for women to advance, thrive and succeed.

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Ambassador Abdullahi Ibrahim Atta, OON, and H.E. Mrs Amina Atta — Amb. Abdullahi Ibrahim Atta, OON, and H.E. Mrs Amina Atta

In memory of a lifelong ally

Ambassador Abdullahi Ibrahim Atta, OON, was a prince of the Ebira Kingdom, a career diplomat, an author, and one of the founders of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency. His life was anchored in discipline, humility, and devotion to the common good.

Alongside his wife, H.E. Mrs Amina Atta, he was a Platinum Sponsor of WISCAR from its earliest days — supporting the organisation financially and providing a home for the WISCAR Mentoring Centre. Their belief in mentorship and women's leadership reflected a shared conviction: that societies thrive when men and women contribute their strengths as equals.

This award carries that conviction forward, honouring men who choose to stand with women, not just for them.

Why this award exists

＋ Honour a legacy Celebrate and perpetuate Amb & Mrs Atta's example of integrity, ethical leadership, and service to humanity.
＋ Recognise real allyship Spotlight men who have shown a sustained commitment to gender equality and women's leadership within their own spheres of influence.
＋ Inspire the next generation Encourage both men and women to lead with courage, empathy, and partnership in driving inclusion.
＋ Strengthen the mission Reinforce WISCAR's work to empower women for leadership while engaging men as strategic partners in gender equity.

Who can be nominated

Male leaders, mentors, or professionals who actively support and promote gender equality.
Individuals in good standing with WISCAR or a recognised partner within WISCAR's broader ecosystem.
Persons whose professional and personal lives demonstrate integrity, allyship, and service consistent with Amb & Mrs A. I. Atta's values.

What the Selection Committee looks for

Integrity and values A proven record of ethical conduct, transparency, and values-driven leadership.

Allyship and advocacy Tangible actions that advance women's participation, mentorship, or representation in leadership.

Leadership and impact Evidence of transformational leadership that has created inclusive systems, policies, or cultural change.

Service and mentorship A contribution to human development through mentoring, sponsorship, or empowering others.

Alignment with WISCAR's ideals Support for a society anchored on values, service, and excellence — and for women's leadership within it.

How to nominate

Sept 4–19

Call for nominations is open

Complete the nomination form, sharing who you're nominating and why.

Write a short statement — up to 500 words — on how the nominee meets the criteria above.

Include at least one reference or testimonial that speaks to the nominee's allyship and leadership.

Nominations are reviewed by the WISCAR Secretariat and an independent Awards Sub-Committee. The recipient is honoured annually at the WISCAR Annual Leadership and Mentoring Conference.

Know someone who leads with integrity?

Nominate a man whose life reflects the same partnership, humility, and commitment to women's advancement that defined Amb & Mrs Atta's legacy.

Nominate a Leader

Nominations close September 19