DIANAH KAMANDE
Apr 28, 2022
First story
Dianah Kamande is a Kenyan widows’ rights activist who is a survivor of Gender-Based Violence who became a young widow in 2013. Her experience motivated her towards the founding of Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization and Association of Survivors of Gender-Based-Violence, both of which are based in Kenya. She believes in the words of the Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon "No woman should lose her status, livelihood or property when her husband dies”. She is a motivational speaker and a mentor to many. She is also an author of the book Scars of Honour.
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS.
Dianah holds the following academic qualifications.
- Diploma in Governance and Women in Leadership in Africa- University of Nairobi.
- Bachelors degree in Governance, Peace and Conflict Studies- African Nazarene University.
AWARDS.
Her passion to advocate, inspire and empower widows in Kenya has earned her recognition both locally (in Kenya) and internationally.
- Head of State Commendation
In recognition of her exemplary contribution to making widows matter in Kenya, she was honored and feted with a Head of State Commendation (H.S.C) by the President of the Republic of Kenya on 12th December 2018.
- Unwavering Advocacy Award
This award was given to her by Ms. Heather Ibrahim-Leather the Founder and President of Global Fund for Widows for relentless service in widows work in and out of Kenya.
- Above and Beyond
This award was given to her by United Widows in South Carolina in honor of the exemplary leadership she offered.
- On 19th November 2020, she was recognized as one of the distinguished keynote speakers at the 2020 Global Women Empowerment Summit organized by the Prodigy Bureau Global.
Dianah has been an exceptional leader for the widows in Kenya to the extent that she has been found fit to represent widows in international fora like the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) 62 and 63.
The widows in Kenya have benefitted a lot from her proactiveness, courage and resilience. She has ensured that the relevant stakeholders are always aware of the plight of widows in Kenya and is making sure that widows’ dignity is being restored.
