Josephine Kulea

Josephine Kulea is a Kenyan women's rights campaigner. Rescued from female genital mutilation and forced marriage as a child, she has since set up the Samburu Girls Foundation, which has saved more than 1,000 girls from similar practices. Kulea was recognised as an "unsung heroine" by US ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger in 2011.

After graduating as a nurse, Kulea refused an arranged marriage to a businessman. Kulea received funding in 2008 to help her to rescue other girls from Samburu, Laikipia, and Isiolo. Kulea works alongside the police and the wife of Samburu West MP Simeon Lesrima. She relies on a network of informants to let them know when illegal practices are taking place. She also hosts a radio programme to raise awareness of the illegal practices and inform people of her foundation. By the end of 2016, she is said to have saved more than 1,000 girls from FGM and forced marriage.

Kulea and the foundation are opposed by some politicians and churches, who are afraid of losing votes or members, and has been subject to threats and curses from community elders. Her favourite quote is: “When you educate a man, you educate an individual. When you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” by James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey.