Uganda

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

Peace Monica Pimer is the Executive Director of the Nile Girls Forum, an organisation focused on empowering young women through leadership, governance, sexual and reproductive health, and economic development. Born and raised in Zombo, Uganda, Peace is a committed environmental human rights defender, integrating climate action into her work. She advocates for the inclusion of women and girls in environmental decision-making, highlighting the link between environmental protection and human rights. Through her leadership, Peace continues to drive change, ensuring the voices of vulnerable communities are central to climate action and environmental justice. The Covid-19 pandemic, which confined many to their homes during the global lockdown in 2020, marked a turning point in Peace Pimer’s activism. As people stayed indoors, the world experienced cleaner air and healthier environments due to reduced carbon emissions from cars and factories. This period of reflection heightened Peace’s awareness of the importance of biodiversity and environmental conservation, leading to a pivotal shift in her focus.