Josephine Kulea

Josephine Kulea of Samburu Girls Foundation - At the opening of the school

Josephine Kulea
Nationality	Kenyan
Occupation	Women's rights activist
Known for	Advocacy against harmful cultural practices

Josephine Kulea is a Kenyan women's rights activist and the founder of the Samburu Girls Foundation. She is renowned for her efforts in combating harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and beading among the Samburu people of northern Kenya.

Early Life and Education

Josephine Kulea was born in the Samburu County of northern Kenya. She grew up witnessing the challenges faced by girls in her community, which inspired her to take action against these injustices. Kulea pursued her education despite the cultural barriers and eventually trained as a nurse.

Activism

Kulea's activism began when she started rescuing girls from harmful cultural practices. In 2012, she founded the Samburu Girls Foundation, an organization dedicated to rescuing girls from FGM, child marriage, and beading. The foundation provides shelter, education, and support to the rescued girls, helping them to rebuild their lives.

Female Genital Mutilation

One of the primary focuses of Kulea's activism is the eradication of female genital mutilation (FGM). FGM is a deeply entrenched practice in many Kenyan communities, including the Samburu. Kulea works to raise awareness about the dangers of FGM and advocates for its abolition.

Child Marriage

Kulea also campaigns against child marriage, a practice that forces young girls into early marriages, often with much older men. Through her foundation, she rescues girls from such marriages and provides them with education and support.

Beading

Another harmful practice that Kulea fights against is beading, a cultural tradition where young girls are adorned with beads by male relatives, signifying a temporary sexual relationship. This practice often leads to early pregnancies and other social issues. Kulea's efforts aim to educate the community about the negative impacts of beading and to protect the rights of young girls.

Recognition and Awards

Josephine Kulea's work has garnered international recognition. She has received several awards for her contributions to women's rights and her efforts to end harmful cultural practices. Her advocacy has also been featured in various media outlets, bringing global attention to the issues faced by girls in northern Kenya.

See Also

• Women's rights in Kenya
• Female genital mutilation in Africa
• Child marriage in Africa
• Samburu people