Born and raised in the Mathare slum, Rachael faced numerous challenges growing up, particularly as a young girl navigating a patriarchal society that often overlooked her rights and well-being. These early experiences of violence and discrimination, including sexual and emotional abuse, shaped her activism and her determination to fight for justice.

“Growing up as a girl, having access to basic needs was a challenge. At one point, I was engaged in a relationship with someone older than me, who took advantage of me in multiple ways. This had a profound effect on my childhood and development. It led me to embrace feminism and activism because I realized that this wasn’t just a personal issue, but a systemic one affecting many girls around me. No one was giving us a platform to speak out or condemning what was happening.” – Rachael Mwikali

Today, she is the leader of Coalition for Grassroots Human Rights Defenders, a social movement for the grassroots activists and human rights defenders in Kenya. She also coordinates a Pan-African Grassroots Women Liberation Movement, which works to unite grassroots African women and empowers them to take up leadership positions. Rachael is at the forefront in empowering women in informal settlements to take up leadership in the society. She works towards changing patriarchal systems and other societal systems that work against women and girls.

Rachael’s inspiration for co-founding the Coalition for Grassroots Human Rights Defenders stemmed from her desire to amplify the voices of women and address the lack of resources for feminist movements at the grassroots level. She recognized the intersectionality of oppression, particularly how women’s rights are often interconnected with broader systemic issues. Rachael also observed that while women human rights defenders were doing significant work, the spotlight and recognition were often overshadowed by their male counterparts. Motivated by this understanding, she focused her efforts on creating a platform where young girls and women could unapologetically assert their rights and challenge the systems that oppressed them, ensuring their contributions received the recognition they deserved.

“The feminist movements in Kenya have been crucial in addressing these issues, particularly in highlighting the intersecting layers of oppression that women face. I advocate for the empowerment of young girls and women, emphasizing the importance of bringing a feminist lens to activism. Our bodies, our leadership, and our movements must be unapologetically ours.”- Rachael Mwikali

Rachael’s personal experiences with violence and injustice have fueled her tireless fight for reproductive rights and a justice system that truly protects women and girls. She is vocal about the lack of access to reproductive health services, the dangers of unsafe abortions, and the impact of such barriers on women’s safety.

“I’ve lost friends to unsafe abortions, and I fight for reproductive rights because every woman and girl should have the right to make decisions about her body. Access to reproductive health services is a fundamental right that must be protected.” – Rachael Mwikali

Rachael has faced significant challenges in her activism, including experiencing police brutality while advocating for justice. In 2024, during a protest, she was beaten and sexually assaulted by law enforcement. This traumatic event became a turning point in her journey, strengthening her resolve to continue fighting for justice. Despite the pain and the brutality, she endured, Rachael saw this as a stark reminder of the government’s willingness to use violence to silence activists, particularly women fighting for their rights.
“The violence used against us, even by the police, shows the lengths to which the government will go to silence those fighting for justice,” she shared, acknowledging how the experience only deepened her commitment to challenging these injustices.
Rachael believes that change is possible when communities come together in solidarity. Her activism reflects a deep commitment to a future where no woman or girl has to live in fear.

“Our movement is about solidarity for all—across communities. We must continue pushing for systemic change, not just for ourselves, but for future generations. Together, we can create a world where no one has to fear for their safety because of their gender.” – Rachael Mwikali

Rachael Mwikali continues to be a leading voice in Kenya’s fight for gender equality, sexual reproductive health and rights, and justice for women and girls. Her activism serves as an inspiration for others to challenge the status quo and work toward a more equitable and just world. Through her unwavering commitment, Rachael is shaping a future where women and girls can live without fear and with the freedom to assert their rights unapologetically.