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Affiliated Researcher, University of Birmingham

Wangu Kanja is an affiliated researcher at the University of Birmingham. A human and women's rights activist, she is also the executive director and founder of the Wangu Kanja Foundation. Wangu is the survivor of rape after a carjacking incident in 2002. She is the convener of the survivors of sexual violence in Kenya network, which works to amplify the voices of the survivors to access comprehensive care and support.

She helped to develop the “Keeping the Promise Campaign” in partnership with National Gender and Equality Now, as well as the PSVI Principles for Global Action. She documented sexual violence in Kenya during the 2017 elections in partnership with Human Rights Watch. She also drafted a motion that was tabled in parliament for setting up a Gender Crimes Unit in Kenya.

In 2011, Wangu received the International Women's Day Unsung Hero Award in recognition of her extraordinary efforts as a role model to promote the empowerment of Kenyan women and girls.

Experience

  • –present
    Affiliated Researcher, University of Birmingham