When you watch Rachael Mwikali do her activism, you may dismiss her as an antagonistic feminist and a rebel without a cause. Not so.
At proximity, the globally recognised champion of sexual and reproductive health rights and women is a warm and compassionate personality whose work is fired up by empathy.
Born and bred in Mathare slums, Mwikali has come face to face with discrimination and abuse.
She told the Star during an interview on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights in Banjul, The Gambia, that at the age of13, a man 10 years older than her sexually abused her.
“The saddest part is the community did not protect me. In fact, they blamed me for engaging in sex at a young age,” she said.
But in a bid to turn the lemons into lemonade, she used the experience to champion for women rights.
“I learnt to speak up for myself and others who may not have the courage.” Her reward, she says, is when the marginalised get justice. At the heart of her campaign is turning women’s perceived vulnerability and weaknesses into strengths.
“Data shows that it will take more than 100 years to attain gender equality. It is a fight that we must engage in creatively and deliberately no matter the setbacks,” Mwikali said.
Through her organisation Coalition for Grassroots Human Rights Defenders, she champions for intersectionality as well.
When El Nino ravaged Mathare slums this year, Mwikali started a community kitchen that would make upto 500 hot meals per day.
“The kitchen is still running, thanks to kind support from well-wishers who believe in supporting vulnerable people,” she said.
“When I get a project, I ensure those I work with come from my local community because I know the poverty and struggle in Mathare.”
She is also part of the #EndFemicideKE. Her agitation has seen her count her losses and keep some wins.
In 2016, aged 24, Mwikali was named the Lobbyist for Change by a Swedish non-governmental organisation known as We Effect.
The prize is awarded to a lobbyist or activist working for the rights of people living in poverty.
The panel selecting her for the prestigious award had the then Prime Minister of Sweden, Ingvar Carlsson. She also sits on the Amnesty International board, the Royal Denish Embassy Youth Sounding board and the Youth Advisory board of the Kingdom of Netherlands. She is also the chairperson of the Human Rights Defenders Awards in Kenya which recognises activists at the frontline of human rights protection.
The awards are given annually by the Defenders Coalition.
Asked about what motivates her and what she
considers a win, Mwikali says she dreams of having
many more passionate women standing up for their
rights, and championing for an equal society