From a young age, Hanifa has always felt a deep-seated drive to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves. “I can’t pinpoint the exact moment that inspired me to become such an active citizen,” she recalls, “but it’s something that has always been there ever since I was young.” Even in primary school, she found herself defending her peers, both in and out of the classroom. Growing up surrounded by injustices, particularly towards women, only strengthened her resolve. “I’d say I’m allergic to injustices. It doesn’t matter the risks involved or the weight of the situation; I would always intervene.”
Her dedication to advocacy is particularly focused on voiceless individuals in low-income areas and slums. “It started with advocating for their right to a decent environment and evolved into fighting for their equal rights as deserving Kenyans,” she explains. Over a year ago, she spearheaded a campaign to address a raw sewer that had plagued the Korogocho slums for over 30 years, posing significant health risks to local children and a nearby school. “I ran the campaign on Twitter for three months until the place was fixed,” she recounts.
Her efforts extend far beyond this single campaign. Along with her team, she reclaimed land for a children’s home in the Ridgeway Area Garden Estate that had been unlawfully grabbed. Recently, she led a fundraising campaign for flood victims across Nairobi, raising over 1 million Kenyan shillings. “We bought mattresses, blankets, food, clothes, uniforms, accessories, and shoes for flood victims in various slum areas. I also sent rent and money for essentials to 20 families.”
Despite her successes, Hanifa acknowledges the challenges that come with her role. “Harnessing and drawing the line between taking in others’ opinions of me and the situations I raise can be difficult,” she admits. Criticism and praise are part of the job, and she handles both with grace. “Others would call me a heroine while some would say I’m nosy. But knowing who I am, why I do this, and who I’m doing it for is what keeps me here and keeps me going.” Her dedication has paid off, as she has built an environment where everyone can connect and resonate with different injustices.
Collaboration is also a key component of her work. She frequently partners with other activists and organizations to raise issues and find solutions. “Whether it’s to raise an issue or to solve one, we approach each other to bring attention to it,” she explains.
One of the most pressing human rights issues she faces is the handling of cases involving women and young girls. “I have felt helpless in many situations, but the most heart-wrenching is how rapists and pedophiles are not being handled as they should.” She recounts a recent case involving a 10-year-old girl who was raped by her Quran teacher in Mandera. “The case is in court after we fought for it months ago when they were trying to solve it through ADR. It’s still ongoing, but the perpetrator is still free, trying to intimidate the mother.” Such cases are all too common, and many never see the light of day. “It’s utterly heartbreaking how we have failed our children by giving grace to pedophiles.”
Her frustration with local authorities led her to take her activism online. “Lobbying on the ground has never worked for me. Local authorities are either compromised or want to be bribed. People come to me when they want justice because the local authorities have failed them. We have solved a lot of issues online where people share the anger and the attention.”
Her message to others is simple but powerful: “You should care. Care about what’s going on around you. Care about people around you and the human race in general. If this is the path you have chosen, looking back is never an option. If anyone has trusted you to bring justice or attention to their issues, you have to follow everything through. Just care enough to stand up or defend anyone. You have to feel the injustice as well.”
Despite the intensity of her work, she understands the importance of self-care. “This has been a bit hard, but I have been able to take a week’s rest after being overwhelmed and fatigued for months. It feels refreshing, and as much as I want to help, I understand that I cannot help everyone at once. There are limits. I do what I can in my own capacity and address what’s needed. Taking breaks and resting and not being everywhere all at once is the way.”
Looking to the future, she remains hopeful. “I hope we get to live in a country where it’s not a crime to be poor. A country where everyone has an equal opportunity and where criminals pay for their sins, not buy their way out of it.”
Her unwavering dedication to justice and equality is an inspiration, demonstrating the profound impact one person can have when they choose to stand up for the voiceless.
