Dr Stellah Bosire Foundation Kenya
Commonwealth Point of Light 119. Stellah Bosire
Dr Stellah Bosire, representing Kenya, is a human rights activist and founder of the ‘Dr Stellah Bosire Foundation’, which has supported over 20,000 women and girls living in poverty with education programmes, mentoring, work experience and reproductive and sexual health advice.
A survivor of sexual violence, homelessness and drug addiction, Stellah mentors hundreds of women every year who find themselves in similar circumstances. Stellah is also the Co-Executive Director of UHAI-EASHRI, Africa’s first indigenous fund supporting nearly 200 civil society activist organisations around issues of sexuality, health and human rights in the East Africa region.
Stellah was presented with her award in February 2020 at a dedicated reception held at the British High Commission Nairobi on Girls’ Education (pictured below with Jane Marriott OBE).
Jane Marriott OBE, UK High Commissioner in Kenya, said:
“I am delighted that Dr Stellah Bosire has been named as Kenya’s Points of Light Award winner. Her tireless championing of sexual and reproductive health and rights, mentorship of some of society’s most vulnerable people and support for civil society organising in East and Central Africa are fully deserving of this recognition and acclaim. I hope Dr Bosire’s shining example inspires citizens from across the Commonwealth and beyond to volunteer their skills, knowledge and experience in support of others. Many congratulations to her.”
Stellah said:
“We are living in such interesting times in the world; extreme climate events; increased forced movement of people; threat to women, gender identity and sexual minorities rights as well as a threat to our economies. These times call for people like you and me to start effecting change, beginning at a micro-level and building up movements at the macro and eventually at the Global level, we can rewrite history so don’t underestimate your individual power!”