Musimbi Kanyoro
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[edit] Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro
Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro, (born in Kenya), became the first woman from a developing country to head the World YWCA when she appointed as Secretary General (CEO) in 1998. (www.worldywca.org)[1] The World YWCA celebrated its 150-year anniversary in 2005 and is the one of the largest and oldest women’s voluntary membership movements that reaches over 25 million women and girls through its member associations in 122 countries.
Serving on numerous international boards, Dr. Kanyoro is credited with advancing women’s leadership, human rights, reproductive health and HIV and AIDS. Her work is published extensively, and she has authored and edited several books and articles. Dr. Kanyoro is recognized internationally as a public speaker on issues relating to sustainable development, human rights, leadership, and she especially known for her advocacy for children, women and minorities.
Prior to heading the World YWCA, Dr. Kanyoro worked for 10 years as Head of the Women in Church and Society, for Lutheran World Federation where she was actively involved in the global women’s agenda leading the Federations participation in four major United Nations conferences of the 90s, namely The Cairo population conference, the Copenhagen development conference, the Vienna Human Rights Conference, the Beijing women's conference.
Since 1977 she has been married to Mr. Muhungi Kanyoro, and they have a son and a daughter.
[edit] International Boards and Humanitarian Service
Dr. Kanyoro serves on many international boards of directors. She is a prominent board member of Realizing Rights[2], Mary Robinson’s Ethical Globalization Initiative, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Business Women’s Initiative (BWI). She is President of the World Association of Christian Communication and a member of the Board of Directors of the African Population and Health Research Center (AFHRC).
Dr. Kanyoro also serves on the Leadership Council of the UNAIDS Global Coalition on Women and AIDS. She is a founding member of the alliance of the CEOs of six international youth organizations working to empower youth against HIV and AIDS. Dr. Kanyoro is also a member of the Global Women’s Action Network for Children and the Mandela Thinker’s Forum.
Previously, Dr. Kanyoro served on an advisory panel for Alan Guttmacher Institute focused on protecting new generations from HIV infection as well as the Gender, Faith and HIV/AIDS initiative of Yale Divinity School. Dr. Kanyoro served as the president and board chair of ISIS-Women's International Cross Cultural Exchange until 2005.
[edit] Public Appearances
Musimbi Kanyoro appears regularly at various international forums. She was a speaker at the Wachovia’s Leadership Program, Conference for Women in Charlotte North Carolina where the Liberia’s President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf gave the key note address.
Dr. Kanyoro Signed together with UNICEF ED the Memorandum of Understanding with UNICEF, committing the World YWCA and UNICEF to working together on country programs to improve the lives of women and girls.
She recently spoke to the United National General Assembly and was a plenary speaker at the International AIDS Conference and chaired the largest panel on women and AIDS.
[edit] The World YWCA
As Secretary General (CEO) of the world’s largest women’s membership-driven organization that implements programs for 25 million women in 122 countries, Dr. Kanyoro has overseen the World YWCA’s revival in regions such as Eastern Europe and China. She steered the organization’s policy to ensure 50% of the World YWCA’s international board is under the age of 30.
Under her leadership, the World YWCA is using “The Standards of Good Management and Accountability”. She led the YWCA’s involvement in the development and adoption of “NGO Charter of Accountability” with 10 other non-governmental organizations.
Dr. Kanyoro is credited with strengthening working relations among member associations as well as international relationships between the World YWCA and the United Nations, the World Bank, the private sector and other NGOs, leading to increased financial support.
Dr. Kanyoro has steered the YWCA’s international response in the fight against HIV/AIDS, which includes programs in more than 70 countries. The World YWCA was elected to serve on the Coordinating Committee for the preparation of the International AIDS conference to take place in Mexico in 2008. The World YWCA will convene the first International Women’s Summit on HIV and AIDS in July 2007 in Nairobi, Kenya.
[edit] The Lutheran World Federation (LWF)
Between 1988 and 1998, as Head of the Department of Women in Church and Society, Dr. Kanyoro developed a plan of action for leadership development and advocacy of women for 166 member churches and the United Nations. She is credited with using diplomacy to develop programs to enhance the development of women, promoting women’s rights and women’s education. During her time at LWF, Dr. Kanyoro co-founded the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians.
[edit] Education
Doctor of Ministry, San Francisco Theological Seminary (1999)
Visiting Scholar, Hebrew, Greek and Exegesis, Harvard Divinity School (1981-1982)
Ph.D., Linguistics, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA (1980)
MA, Linguistics, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA (1977)
BA, Linguistics, Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya (1975)
[edit] Honorary Degrees
2003 – Philippine Christian University, Manila, Doctorate of Humanities (Honoris Causa) in recognition of distinguished accomplishments as theologian, Church Leader, Civic Worker, Linguist and Author.
1999 – Trinity Lutheran Seminary, (TLS) USA, Doctorate of Divinity (DD honorary) for significant contribution to Christian Theology.
[edit] Awards and Recognition
2006 – Planet Africa, Toronto, Canada, Leadership Award in recognition of distinguished African excellence in leadership.
2006 – Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham, Alabama, USA, Women, Leadership and Human Dignity Award for significant contributions to the advancement of human dignity.
2005 – Kenya Government, Presidential Award
2005 – African Women’s Development Fund, Accra, Ghana, Women of Substance Award
2005 – World Vision and International AIDS Trust, USA, Global Leadership Award
2005 – Nominee 1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize 2005
2000 – Luther Institute, USA, The Wittenberg Award in recognition of her outstanding service to church and society.
1999 - Church Women United, (CWU) USA, Human Rights Award in recognition of commitment and dedication to global human rights of women.
1997 - Lutheran School of Theology (LSTC), Chicago, USA, Community Award in recognition of global service with Lutheran world Federation.
1978 - University of Texas, Austin, USA, Best Student Award, in Humanities.
1975 - Kenya chapter of the United Nations Student Movement, Youth Award.
[edit] External links
- World YWCA
- Ethical Globalization Initiative Dr. Kanyoro serves as a Member of the Board of the Ethical Globalization Initiative: Realizing Rights
- Legacy Dr. Kanyoro serves as an Advisory Member of Legacy. Dr. Kanyoro donated two hours of high-definition audiovisual life story interviews to Legacy.
