Kenya – Like Her

Cecilia Wangechi Mwathi

Cecilia Wangechi Mwathi, the first woman in Kenya to become a mathematics professor, was known for her activism for higher education and inspiring Kenyan girls to study STEM. Despite growing up in poverty, she pursued education and eventually obtained a Ph.D. in mathematics. She dedicated her career to Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and fought for the rights of faculty members as the secretary general of the UASU-JKUAT faculty union chapter. Her legacy lives on through her contributions to academia and the lives she touched.

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Audrey Mbugua

Audrey Mbugua, born in 1984, is a transgender activist who has made significant contributions in the fight for transgender rights. Her tireless efforts and landmark legal victories have paved the way for greater recognition and acceptance of transgender individuals in Kenya and beyond.

KenyaActivist

Wangari Maathai

Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan social, environmental, and political activist, founded the Green Belt Movement, an NGO focused on tree planting, environmental conservation, and women’s rights. She was the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a Ph.D. and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her visionary leadership, environmental activism, and advocacy for peace and human rights. Sadly, Maathai passed away in 2011, leaving a remarkable legacy in women’s history and sustainable development.

KenyaBusinessComputer Scientist

Dorcas Muthoni

Dorcas Muthoni, born in 1979 in Nyeri, Kenya, is a remarkable entrepreneur, computer scientist, and founder of OPENWORLD LTD, a software consulting company she established at the young age of 24. With a profound commitment to using technology to transform African society, governments, and enterprises, Muthoni has made significant contributions to the field of computer science and paved the way for technological innovation in Africa.

KenyaBusinessComputer Scientist

Shikoh Gitau

Dr. Shikoh Gitau is a Kenyan computer scientist known for her contributions to mobile applications and her commitment to promoting health and inclusive growth in Africa. She has been recognized for her innovative inventions and awarded the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship. Gitau continues to play a vital role in African development through her work at the African Development Bank.

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Juliana Rotich

Juliana Rotich is a Kenyan information technology professional who made significant contributions to the field. She co-founded iHub and Ushahidi, playing a critical role in promoting innovation and connectivity in Kenya. Rotich’s leadership at Ushahidi gained worldwide recognition for its effectiveness in responding to crises, and she also raised awareness of environmental issues in Africa. Her dedication to leveraging technology for the greater good, combined with her commitment to preserving the environment, make her an inspiring figure in women’s history.

KenyaActivist

Nice Nailantei Leng’ete

Nice Nailantei Leng’ete is a Kenyan human rights activist known for her tireless efforts to end female genital mutilation (FGM) and advocate for the rights of young girls. Born in 1991 in the village of Kimana in Maasai country, Kenya, Leng’ete’s life has been shaped by her personal experiences and her determination to create a better future for girls in her community and beyond.

KenyaActivist

Asha Ismail

Asha Ismail is a renowned Kenyan human rights activist dedicated to eradicating female genital mutilation (FGM) and other forms of abuse against women. Her personal experience with FGM at age 5 fueled her passion for change. Ismail founded Save a Girl, Save a Generation in 2011 and has been recognized and honored globally for her relentless work in advancing women’s rights.

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Tegla Loroupe

Tegla Chepkite Loroupe, born in 1979, is a Kenyan long-distance track and road runner. She is celebrated for her athletic achievements and dedication to promoting peace, women’s rights, and education. Loroupe has made a significant impact in the world of distance running, breaking world records and paving the way for African women in the sport.

KenyaMilitary

Fatumah Ahmed

Fatumah Ahmed, born in 1965 in Kenya, broke barriers for women in the military as a major general in the Kenya Air Force. Her unexpected entry into the military began when she stumbled upon a recruitment campaign while obtaining an identification card. With her dedication and leadership abilities, Ahmed rose through the ranks, becoming the first female brigadier and the first woman in the Kenya Defence Forces to hold the rank of major general. Her achievements have opened doors for future generations of women in the military.