Hubbie Hussein al-Haji

Country

Kenya

Known for

Executive Director of the Womankind Kenya

Dates

Hijri Unknown-Present (AH); Common Era Unknown-Present (CE)

Hubbie Hussein al-Haji

Biography

Hubbie Hussein Al-haji is the Executive Director of Womankind Kenya, the only NGO in the Northeastern province of Kenya. Founded by Ms. Hussein in 1995, Womankind Kenya aims to build confidence, raise self-esteem and empower the community to participate fully in their own affairs and decision-making to facilitate community-based projects. Through her work at the organization, she has been instrumental in helping the community develop and institutionalize unique, innovative approaches to eradicate poverty, empower women and foster community sustainability. Her dream is to see all girls in the region enjoy access to education on par with boys and ensure gender equality for all. Ms. Hussein’s efforts have been recognized both nationally and internationally where she is able to fight for the rights of the indigenous people. Ms. Hussein has conducted research on various topics including a gendered analysis of water management practices in the Masalani Division of the Ijara district of Kenya, the impact of traditional harmful practices against Somali women in Northern Kenya, and a base line survey on human rights and female genital mutilation. In 1997, she was granted honorary citizenship to the U.S. In 2006, she was awarded the Ralph Stone Memorial Award in recognition of her leadership in difficult circumstances and exemplary performance. Born in a Northern Province of Kenya as a Somali pastoralist woman, Ms. Hussein experienced many obstacles in achieving her education. Her determination to assist her community and region and succeed as a woman led her to acquire a diploma in livestock husbandry at Egerton University and a BA in Development Studies from MSTCDC in Arusha, Tanzania.