Gender equality activist named as 2024 Women of Concern honouree

Dr Mbugua is CEO and founder of AkiDwA, The Migrant Women’s Network Ireland, and Wezesha, an African diaspora-led development organisation supporting women and children impacted by conflict and poverty in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She is also Commissioner for the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.

“I’m deeply honoured to be receiving this award. It is not only a personal achievement, but it's a true recognition of the resilience and courage of women that I've worked with over the years, especially the women of Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya. I would like to dedicate this award to those women, for their courage and hope for a better future for them, their children and their communities,” said Dr Mbugua.

Born in Kenya, Dr Mbugua came to Ireland to study for her Masters Degree in Equality Studies from University College Dublin, and subsequently completed a Ph.D. in International Peace Relations from Trinity College, Dublin. 

She has over 20 years’ experience of working with under-represented groups, in particular women, children, and young people in Europe, Africa and internationally. Dr Mbugua has also contributed her expert knowledge to numerous international forums, among them the United Nations and European Union.

“Dr Salome Mbugua’s successful work in raising the profile of women living in extreme poverty in Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo has had a major impact on their lives and their hopes. Her deep passion, and profound understanding and empathy with their circumstances and challenges is truly inspiring,” said David Regan, Concern Chief Executive, of Dr Mbugua.

The annual Women of Concern event is now in its sixth year and pays tribute to women who embody justice, generosity, and compassion in their work and daily lives, and act as inspiring role models. It also highlights how Concern’s work with communities in 25 countries supports the global drive towards gender equality, a persistent and major obstacle to ending extreme poverty. 

Women and girls are disproportionally impacted by climate change, which exacerbates gender discrimination and exposes women to increased risks. The event will also look at how Concern’s programmes are working with communities to adapt to and build resilience to the effects of climate change and tackle inequalities.

Previous Women of Concern honourees include Ifrah Ahmed, campaigner against female genital mutilation (FGM), Irish Ambassador to the US and former Ambassador to the United Nations, Geraldine Byrne Nason, peace activist and human rights defender, Professor Monica McWilliams, Sinéad McSweeney, former Managing Director of Twitter Ireland, and Cathriona Hallahan, former Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland.

Today's event in the Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin, saw people from Ireland’s leading companies, organisations and businesses gather to support Concern’s work across the world, including Sudan, Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.  

This is the sixth year the event has been sponsored by professional services firm, EY Ireland.

In 2023, Concern reached 30 million people in some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries to alleviate poverty and hunger. It also reached 15.5 million people through its emergency responses throughout the year.

For further information, please contact Eilis Staunton, Media Relations officer with Concern Worldwide on 085 872 0720 or eilis.staunton@concern.net