Vivian Onano, a Kenyan social entrepreneur and activist, has emerged as a formidable advocate for girls’ education and women’s empowerment across Africa.
Growing up in rural Kenya, she witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of child marriage and limited educational opportunities for girls. Determined to break this cycle, Vivian founded the Leading Light Initiative in 2019, aiming to alleviate poverty by providing tailored opportunities for youth, women, and individuals with disabilities.
After receiving a scholarship to attend Starehe Girls’ Centre, a boarding school for academically gifted girls from underprivileged backgrounds, she pursued higher education at Carthage College in the United States and later earned a Master’s in Public Affairs from Sciences Po in Paris.
Vivian’s advocacy extends beyond education. She has collaborated with organizations like WaterAid to address the correlation between girls’ access to education and the availability of clean water and sanitation. Her efforts have been recognized globally; she has served as a youth advisor to UN Women and UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report, and has spoken at prominent platforms including the United Nations General Assembly and the Clinton Global Initiative.
In addition to her advocacy, Vivian holds leadership roles in various organizations. She serves as Vice Chair of Nutrition International and is a board director at Flying Kites. Her work has earned her accolades such as the 2017 New African Woman on the Rise Award and the 2015 “Let Girls Learn” award presented by Michelle Obama.
Through her unwavering dedication, Vivian Onano continues to inspire and empower the next generation of African women leaders, striving to create an inclusive world where every girl has the opportunity to realize her full potential.
