instructor: Dr Salome Mbugua

Dr. Salome Mbugua, a distinguished researcher, gender equality activist, and human rights advocate, currently serves as the CEO of AkiDwA. With over two decades of experience, she has dedicated her career to working with under-represented groups, particularly focusing on women, children, and youth, across Europe, Africa, and internationally. Her significant contributions have not only been recognized nationally but also on a global scale. Appointed by the President of Ireland, Dr. Salome is a prestigious member of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, serving as one of its 15 commissioners. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of areas including policy development, management, strategic planning and development, project development, and the implementation, monitoring, and review of various initiatives. Dr. Salome's influence extends deeply into policy and strategy development both in Ireland and at the EU level. She has actively engaged with numerous Irish government departments, agencies, and units to focus on the economic, social, and political development. Highlighting her leadership and commitment to gender equality, in 2019, she was appointed by the Tánaiste to chair the working group on the development of Ireland’s 3rd National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security. Her engagements also include presenting at the Council of Europe on critical discussions focusing on migration, refugees, women and girls, and the pivotal role of foreign policy in advancing gender equality. Dr. Salome's dedication to equality and inclusion is further demonstrated through her service on various advisory committees, expert groups, and boards both in Ireland and at a European level. In 2020, she was appointed as the chair of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion project board with the Public Appointment Service. Her previous roles include serving as the vice-chair of the National Women's Council of Ireland, President of the European Network of Migrant Women, and in the EU Expert Group on economic migration with the European Commission. She is a current board member of women’s Aid, European Women’s Health and is an alternated board member with Fundamental Right Agency representing Ireland. Renowned for her engaging public speaking abilities, Dr. Salome has delivered over 1,000 presentations globally. Her topics cover a broad spectrum, including gender, development, equality, diversity, racism, migration, women on the move, the refugee crisis, gender-based violence, feminism, and inequality, showcasing her influence and dedication to these critical issues in Ireland, Europe, Africa, and America. 2010 Eisenhower fellow and 2015 OHCHR-UN Fellows. Dr Mbugua is a graduate of Trinity college Dublin and University College Dublin.