Dr. Salome Mbugua is a distinguished researcher, human rights advocate, and leader in gender equality and social justice. She brings over 25 years of experience working across civil society, development, research, and policy at both national and international levels. Her career spans leadership roles in advocacy, advisory bodies, and governance, with a core focus on women’s rights, migration, peacebuilding, and equality.
She holds a PhD in Philosophy from Trinity College Dublin, and her work has had a significant impact on shaping policy and advancing human rights globally. In April 2025, Dr. Mbugua was appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General as an Independent Eminent Expert to monitor the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, a global mandate to combat racism and discrimination.
She currently serves as a Commissioner with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, appointed by the President of Ireland in 2018. Dr. Mbugua is also the former Co-President of the European Network of Migrant Women, where she championed the rights of migrant and refugee women across Europe.
Her advisory work includes serving on several high-level expert groups, including:
The EU Expert Group on Economic Migration
The European Women’s Lobby Expert Group on Violence Against Women
Chair, Working Group for Ireland’s 3rd National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security
Independent Chair, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Project Board, Public Appointments Service
Chair, National Steering Committee for the implementation of the UN International Decade for People of African Descent in Ireland.
Dr. Mbugua is widely recognised for her strategic leadership and her role in founding, leading, and scaling organisations that advance equity and inclusion. She has a strong track record in influencing policy at national, EU, and international levels, and is respected for her academic and research expertise in gender, migration, and peacebuilding.
An effective communicator and coalition builder, she brings deep intercultural competence and a commitment to inclusive community engagement. Her work continues to inspire change and connect civil society and institutions in pursuit of justice and equality.
Dr. Mbugua is driven by a passion for empowering marginalised communities, especially women, youth, and migrants. She believes that lasting social change is achieved through collaboration, evidence-based advocacy, and ensuring that every voice is heard in the spaces that matter.
Outside of her professional work, she enjoys dancing to Afrobeat rhythms, a joyful way to stay active and remain connected to her roots.
