Harriet Afandi is an inspiring grassroots leader with a dedicated focus on civic engagement. Her evidence-based work on education is a stellar example of her impact and dedication. She recently received her appointment agreement for a Volunteer Investor Education and Awareness Program. Her online advocacy and digital campaigns specifically addressing child, youth, and women’s empowerment through mentorships, community-level socio-economic development programs (with a focus on social entrepreneurship), and human rights have supported several actors at the grass-roots.

Harriet’s work on spreading awareness on Human Trafficking was featured on a range of media outlets including the likes of the BBC News, Voice of America, Quoted by Forbes Africa, Ms. Texas TV Show and Hope Pyx Global etc . Harriet’s work supporting survivors of mass violence was spotlighted in these programs. Amidst several ongoing initiatives to support survivors of gender-based violence, expanding awareness on mental health, providing mentorship for children and youth through access to quality education, and empowering women through agribusiness, Harriet has recently set up a whole new initiative as part of She Create Change Kenya, powered by Nguvu Collective. She is currently campaigning for her petition advocating for safety in maternal health care in Kenyan hospitals which is currently contributing to the New Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Bill 2023 at the Kenya Senate and Parliament Committees on Health. 

Harriet has engaged in the #ShiftThePower campaign where she specifically focuses on the fight against forced and child marriages, female genital mutilation, and inequity in access to education for girls. In the face of the rising number of femicides in Kenya, Harriet has called for “Dark Valentine’s Day,” in an op-ed she wrote online, which led to a nationwide movement and demonstrations. What makes me especially proud of Harriet is her work as one of the leading voices that demanded the restoration of Linda Mama, a program that provides access to affordable maternal healthcare services based on need and not the ability to pay – this campaign was restored thanks to Harriet’s efforts. She has also played a key role in calling out the Government of Kenya for its punitive taxes and this led to a significant change. Her call for affordable maternal healthcare services was amplified by Forbes Africa in June 2024.

At World Pulse, Harriet’s journey as a changemaker, digital ambassador, and mentor for several community members speak for itself. Her keen eye for detail and dedication to protecting the dignity of all those she works with earned her a position in the Research and Evaluation Group, a community-led body that holds World Pulse and external researchers accountable for conducting ethical and meaningful research with the World Pulse community in line with World Pulse’s Ethical Guidelines for Research and Evaluation. Harriet’s work remains an ongoing endeavour for her community’s well-being and advancement.