About Us
How AWGN was Born
African Woman Global Network was preceded by African Woman
Global Initiative which was established in 2018 as a not for
profit making volunteer organizations for students to put their
legal knowledge into practice by providing legal support to
women and children in the vulnerable communities.
The initiative for lawyers was started by Nyokabi
Ngari who was later joined by Erick Masafu to become the 2nd
co-founder of what is now African Woman Global Network.
The organization has grown as a legal support initiative and the
scope has expanded to policy development and Analysis, Human
Rights Empowerment and Education support for young girls.
What Inspired the founder
A young girl who tried to understand a world full of domestic
violence. Growing up in a community full of violence was not a
walk in the park. Most families in her community had normalized
it. Schools and Churches never addressed the issues of human
rights violations. Children from the nearby informal settlement
who were also in the same school as her earned their respect by
instilling fear through violence, vulgar and threats. A habit
they had picked from their homes as her research made her
understand years later when she pursued a visit to the informal
settlement. This pursuit uncovered more than she had imagined.
‘Food donations was not going to change much.’ She recalls
herself thinking. The people needed knowledge, empowerment, life
skills, and support.
Nyokabi Ngari, a very passionate human rights
champion with a heart to educate women and children on their
rights to reduce insecurity, mental health, and poverty thus
made a promise to herself that she will give marginalized women
in communities knowledge and a voice to create an environment
safe enough for all including children to thrive, give
vulnerable people hope for the future, educate children on their
rights, and promote economic empowerment. African Woman Global
Network was thus established in 2018.
Vision
To build inclusive, peaceful and equitable societies
Mission
To promote dignity and access to justice for all.
Values
● Intergrity ● Accountability ● Discipline ● Passion ● Diligence
Access to justice
Succession
Women have greatly been affected in succession matters. Lack of information and access to justice has led to women being misguided. The law is very clear on matters succession, and we ensure women and all families are conversant with the constitution of Kenya, matrimonial properties act and succession act.
Legal Empowerment
We empower and equip people with knowledge of the law. We focus on strengthening the capacity of people to fight for justice. We ensure that people are equipped with information on matters law, how the court system works and alternative ways in which they can seek justice because justice need not only to be served but also to be seen to be served.
Early Child Marriage
The Kenya constitution and the UN Convention on Rights of a
Child defines a child as anyone under the age of 18. To
address child marriage there should be laws that are part of
a comprehensive legal and policy framework which addresses
its root causes, including gender inequality.
We address issues such as: Marriage and divorce, Harmful
practices such as dowry, bride price, polygamy and female
genital mutilation/cutting, Property and inheritance, Sexual
and gender-based violence, Child labor and abuse, Marriage
brokering, Access to education, healthcare and social
securities, Mandatory birth and marriage registration
(including registration of all marriages, including civil,
religious and customary unions as a means to track marriages
and age of marriage)
Our founders
Nyokabi Ngari
Nyokabi Ngari has had an opportunity to function at multiple levels in the past 14 years including legal, administration and project management. She holds a bachelor degree in law, and is well versed on matters Economic Crime Management and Leadership. She has in the past served as a board member and has been a committee member in various departments. She is passionate about human rights, policy, gender and social development, culture, women peace and security.
Erick Masafu
Erick Masafu has practiced law for 11 years, has earned a Master’s of Law from the University of Glasgow and is currently a Doctorate candidate of law at the University of Nairobi. He is committed to bringing high-quality legal services to the sector and believes in building a bond with each and every one of his clients. He has worked for large corporations, representing corporate entities in legal matters, in luring white collar crimes cases, breach of contract and partnership disputes. He is also very passionate about environmental law and children protection rights.
Partners
