We would like to share our sincere congratulations to our member, Hellen Lunkuse – the Executive Director of Rape Hurts Foundation, Uganda – on receiving the Global Leadership Award from Vital Voices Global Partnership. Her work has truly been inspiring over the years and her tireless efforts have been essential in supporting survivors of gender-based violence. She is filling an incredibly important gap and need. We are honoured with her membership and completely agree with the Vital Voices to handing over the award to her.

The Vital Voices shared the following on Helen and the reasons for her receiving the Award:

Hellen Lunkuse is a fearless human rights defender who advocates for women, girls, and marginalized communities in Uganda. As the Founder and Executive Director of Rape Hurts Foundation, she leads a team of dedicated activists who support survivors of gender-based violence to pursue justice, recover and rebuild. Her holistic approach to addressing and preventing gender-based violence has reached more than 850,000 people over the last ten years. Hellen connects survivors with emergency services, runs community awareness campaigns about women’s rights, and creates access to education and employment opportunities. A survivor herself, Hellen is a courageous and committed voice for human rights, inclusion, and women’s empowerment.

For more information:

Pictures from the award ceremony