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Purity Kagwiria
Director at With and For Girls Collective
Professional Background
Purity Kagwiria is an inspiring feminist activist based in Nairobi, Kenya, who has dedicated her career to advocating for the rights and empowerment of young women and girls. Currently serving as the Director for With and For Girls Collective, Purity leads the world’s only participatory fund designed specifically by, and for, adolescent girls. Through her leadership, she emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for young women to have a voice in decisions that affect their lives, ensuring that their needs and aspirations are at the forefront of development initiatives.
Prior to her current role, Purity was the Executive Director of Akili Dada, a prominent leadership incubator focusing on girls and young women from underserved backgrounds. During her tenure at Akili Dada, she played a key role in fostering leadership skills and providing invaluable mentorship to hundreds of aspiring young female leaders. Her advocacy for gender equality, coupled with her extensive experience in program management and development, has positioned her as a formidable force in the feminist movement across Africa and beyond.
Purity’s passion for feminist activism extends beyond her formal roles. She was a founding advisory committee member of FRIDA - The Young Feminist Fund, a global initiative dedicated to funding young feminist activism. This collective work showcases her commitment to fostering new generations of feminists who challenge the status quo. Recognized for her exceptional work, Purity has been a recipient of the prestigious HOW Fund Fellowship, which underscores her influence and dedication within the social justice sphere.
Education and Achievements
Purity Kagwiria's educational background is as impressive as her professional accomplishments. She holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the African Leadership University in Rwanda, with a specialization in Doing Business in Africa and International Business. This advanced education provides her with a robust understanding of the economic challenges and opportunities within Africa, further enhancing her ability to advocate effectively for change.
Prior to obtaining her Masters, Purity earned her Bachelor's Degree in Gender and Development Studies from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. This foundational education has served as a springboard for her extensive career in feminist activism and advocacy, giving her the theoretical knowledge and practical insights necessary to affect tangible change in her community.
Additionally, Purity holds a Diploma in Journalism from the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication, which has equipped her with vital communication skills that are essential in her roles as a leader and advocate. Through her education and experiences, she has developed a comprehensive skill set that includes fundraising and grants management, strategic planning and facilitation, and policy development and analysis.
Purity's accolades further highlight her influence within the feminist movement. In 2015, she was recognized as one of the 18 Phenomenal African Feminists to watch, symbolizing her growing presence in the global conversation about gender equality. The following year, she was named a finalist for the Most Influential Women in Governance and Business in Africa, which acknowledges her contributions beyond the feminist space into broader governance and business leadership.
Key Skills and Competencies
Purity’s extensive skill set makes her a sought-after leader in the realms of advocacy and empowerment for girls and women. Key competencies include:
- Fundraising and Grants Management: Purity has a demonstrated ability to secure funding and manage grants, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated toward empowering initiatives for young women.
- Strategic Planning and Facilitation: Her capacity for strategic planning allows her to create actionable roadmaps for organizations dedicated to social change.
- Organizational Development and Capacity Building: Purity is committed to enhancing the capabilities of organizations and individuals alike, fostering growth and sustainability within feminist movements.
- Finance and Budget Management: Her expertise in finance empowers her to maintain the fiscal health of organizations and ensure effective utilization of resources.
- Policy Development and Analysis: Purity’s ability to analyze and develop policies enables her to advocate for effective change and promote gender-sensitive approaches in governance and programming.
- Advocacy and Constituency/Movement Building: She excels at building coalitions and fostering community among activists, driving collective efforts toward shared goals in gender equality and women's rights.
Conclusion
In summary, Purity Kagwiria is a dynamic leader and passionate activist who has made significant contributions to the advancement of girls' rights and gender equality in Africa. With her powerful blend of education, experience, and a deep commitment to feminist principles, she continues to inspire many young women to become advocates for change in their own communities. As she leads initiatives that empower adolescent girls, Purity remains a vital figure in the movement for social justice and equality, showcasing the transformative impact of participatory funding and grassroots activism. Her work at both the With and For Girls Collective and previous roles sets a remarkable example for future generations of female leaders, and her continued advocacy will have lasting effects on the lives of many young women in Kenya and beyond.
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Mesh offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Mesh offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Mesh's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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