Humans of York: Fidelis
“I’m the type of person that feels compelled to try to solve any problem, even if it’s only a dangling doorknob."
This week’s Humans of York features Fidelis Karanja, a York graduate who founded a women-led human rights organisation dedicated to supporting women and girls who are at risk of gender-based violence.
“I was born and live in Kenya. From a humble background, my father educated me up to secondary school. I did not manage to join a university immediately. I did casual jobs as well as tried small businesses which did not work.
“In 2018, after being awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship, I graduated from the University of York with a Master’s degree in Public Administration International Development.
“I’m the type of person that feels compelled to try to solve any problem, even if it’s only a dangling doorknob. I grew up where domestic violence was the order of the day, and all through my growing up desired to collect this vice, ensure women and girls are free from all forms of violence regardless of their race, age, ethnicity and social class.
“For this reason, I founded Young African Women Initiatives, a women-led human rights organisation based in Kenya. The purpose of the organisation is to provide frontline services to meet the needs of women, children and girls facing multiple disadvantages across more strands of gender-based violence.
“I am passionate about women being free and enjoying their rights. It fills my heart with joy when women and girls get to understand their rights and exercise their rights without the fear of intimidation. Also when women and girls are able to protect and claim their rights.
“Further when women are able to leave abusive relationships as well as become economically empowered to meet their daily needs rather than depending on their abuser for their needs. It gives me joy to see the whole transformation of a woman’s life.
“My hope for the future is to have policies that address all forms of gender-based violence developed and implemented leading to development projects and finally having a gender-equal society.
“My dream is to have a movement that can make this a reality, not only in my country, but globally.”
Read more about Fidelis and Young African Women Initiatives (YAWI)
Fidelis Karanja, alum, Humans of York, August 2023