Leadership Lead
Marsabit Women Advocacy and Development Organization (MWADO)
Born in the heart of Marsabit County, Northern Kenya, Nuria Gollo Halake, H.S.C, emerged from a deeply patriarchal society and a conservative Muslim background where the voices of women and girls were rarely heard - let alone championed. Against these odds, Nuria rose to become a fearless leader and a transformative figure, standing at the forefront of advocating for women's rights and spearheading community development through her role as the Chief Executive Officer of the Marsabit Women Advocacy and Development Organization (MWADO).
Nuria's leadership journey began in the classroom, where she spent over fifteen years as an educator nurturing young minds. It was here that her passion for the welfare of children first took root. But her vision extended far beyond the school walls - she saw the need to protect, empower, and uplift women and girls whose struggles were too often silenced. Fueled by her unwavering conviction, Nuria transitioned from education to grassroots activism, where her leadership would shine even brighter.
As a senior human rights activist, Nuria demonstrated her bold and resilient leadership by fearlessly confronting issues that many in her community hesitated to even discuss - from gender-based violence to harmful traditional practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). She did not merely speak up; she acted, dedicating her time, resources, and strategic skills to shield women and girls from violence and outdated cultural practices. Through MWADO, she cultivated safe spaces and pathways for justice, becoming a trusted voice and an inspiring example to countless women who found hope through her leadership.
Nuria's influence did not stop at the local level. Her exceptional ability to navigate both governmental and non-governmental spheres amplified her impact across regional and national platforms. Her deep understanding of the intersectionality of women's rights with broader social, economic, and environmental issues enabled her to tackle complex challenges like conflict and insecurity, disaster risk reduction, and violent extremism with remarkable foresight and courage.
Her leadership has earned her accolades that testify to her enduring impact. She was honored with the prestigious Hero's Award for three consecutive years (2013, 2014, and 2016), celebrated as the Inspirational Woman of the Year in Marsabit County in 2015, and awarded the Head of State Commendation (HSC) on the 12th of December 2017 - with further recognition by the state in 2022 for her outstanding efforts in eliminating FGM.
Beyond formal recognition, Nuria's voice and leadership have reached international audiences. Her work has been featured in renowned outlets such as America Magazine and The Guardian, and her insights have resonated on CBC (Canada) Radio during global broadcasts. These platforms have amplified her message, inspiring not only her community but also the world.
Further exemplifying her powerful leadership, Nuria serves as the Leadership Lead in the Indigenous Women Council, where she continues to mentor, guide, and mobilize women in one of the most significant grassroots movements for indigenous women's rights. In this capacity, she brings together diverse voices, fostering solidarity and championing collective action for lasting change.
"Today, Nuria Gollo H.S.C.'s story is not just about advocacy; it is a testament to extraordinary leadership forged through resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to a better, more equitable future for women and girls."
Her journey is a beacon of hope and a blueprint for transformative leadership that leaves no one behind.