Rachel Mwikali leads a bold and radical feminist movement, Pussy Power, aimed at empowering women in Mathare’s informal settlements. She believes feminism should extend beyond the middle class to uplift grassroots women facing daily struggles. Her movement embraces femininity as a tool for survival while challenging gender-based violence and victim-blaming narratives.
Beyond activism, Mwikali’s work focuses on community support. During severe flooding in Mathare, her team launched a community kitchen, providing meals for hundreds of displaced residents. Her organization, Coalition for Grassroots Human Rights Defenders, also champions intersectional rights, including LGBTQ advocacy.
A survivor of childhood sexual violence, Mwikali turned personal trauma into a lifelong fight for justice. Her activism has earned international recognition, including the Global Lobbyist for Change Award in 2016. She also holds advisory roles with Amnesty International and various global organizations.
