In the heart of Kenya’s advocacy movement stands Mariam Hussein, a passionate champion for human rights, gender equality, and community empowerment. As the founder of I Am Worth, Mariam has dedicated her life to creating spaces where marginalized voices are heard, supported, and uplifted. But beyond her professional titles, she is a mentor, leader, mother, wife, sister, and daughter—a woman who believes in the power of collective action to drive meaningful change.
Mariam’s journey into advocacy was shaped by her upbringing in Kibera, one of Africa’s largest informal settlements. Growing up in an environment plagued by gender-based violence (GBV) and inequality, she witnessed firsthand the struggles of women and youth who felt unheard and undervalued. These experiences ignited a fire within her, fueling her commitment to social justice and leadership.
Determined to be part of the solution, Mariam pursued Conflict Resolution, a field that equipped her with critical skills in addressing human rights violations, GBV, and community conflicts. Armed with this knowledge, she ventured into advocacy with a vision—to build a world where dignity, respect, and opportunities for growth are accessible to all.
The defining moment that led to the birth of I Am Worth was Mariam’s realization that many women and youth lacked safe spaces to express themselves and seek help. She envisioned an organization that would build resilience, empower individuals, and provide tools to fight injustice. However, the early days of I Am Worth were not easy—scarce resources and community skepticism made it difficult to establish credibility. Through persistence, strategic collaborations, and an unwavering commitment to change, the organization grew into a recognized force for advocacy and empowerment.
Today, I Am Worth runs several impactful initiatives, including:
1GBV Community Ambassadors Africa Training – Equipping individuals with skills to combat gender-based violence.
2International GBV Training for University Students – A structured three-cohort annual program that educates young leaders.
3Community Outreach & Awareness Campaigns – Engaging communities in discussions on GBV, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), and Sexual & Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR).
4Policy Advocacy & Strategic Dialogues – Holding discussions with policymakers to push for gender justice and human rights.
5Youth Empowerment & Networking Sessions – Connecting young people with opportunities for growth and leadership.
6Social Media & Digital Awareness Initiatives – Using online platforms to educate and mobilize action.
Mariam and her team assess the impact of their work through community feedback, testimonials, policy changes, and follow-up assessments on behavior change and awareness. But advocacy is not without challenges. Deeply rooted cultural norms, resistance from policymakers, and limited funding remain major obstacles. Yet, through diplomacy, adaptability, and strong partnerships, I Am Worth continues to navigate these barriers and push forward.
One of the organization’s most inspiring success stories is of a young woman who attended I Am Worth training and later became an advocate in her community. She has since rescued multiple survivors, connected them to support services, and launched her own initiative to educate girls about their rights—a true testament to the ripple effect of empowerment.
Looking ahead, Mariam envisions I Am Worth expanding beyond Kenya—establishing regional hubs, launching large-scale policy-driven campaigns, and strengthening digital advocacy efforts. If given unlimited resources, she would create a Gender Justice & Empowerment Hub, offering legal aid, therapy, training programs, and economic empowerment for survivors.
Her advice to young women stepping into activism? “Start where you are with what you have. Your voice, community, and passion are enough to drive change. Be consistent, seek mentorship, and never fear challenging the status quo.”
As for her legacy, Mariam hopes that I Am Worth will continue long after her, standing as a movement that empowers communities globally. She wants her work to inspire women and youth to realize their worth, use their voices, and take action against injustice.
Mariam Hussein is more than an advocate—she is a force for change. From Kibera to international platforms, her work is transforming lives, one empowered individual at a time. Through I Am Worth, she is building a future where justice, dignity, and equality are not just ideals but lived realities.
And in her own words, “I am worth, you are worth, we all are worth.”
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