Hellen Kijo-Bisimba
Human Rights Activist
Country - Tanzania, United Republic of
From July 1, 1996, to June 30, 2018, Hellen Kijo Bisimba served as the Executive Director of the Legal and Human Rights Center (LHRC), where she worked tirelessly to promote justice and equality. Although officially retired, she continues to lend her expertise as a consultant in justice-related matters and shares her musical talents with church choirs.
Five things that define Hellen Kijo-Bisimba
1. Early Advocacy - Hellen's commitment to human rights began in her teens when she stood up against injustices at her school, sparking a lifelong passion for advocacy.
2. Award-Winning Activism - In 2008, she received an award from the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania for her bravery in advocating for human rights, particularly for condemning government actions in Zanzibar in 2001.
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3.Long-Standing Leadership - Hellen served as the Executive Director of LHRC for 22 years, spearheading campaigns against practices like the death penalty and female genital mutilation, and advocating for constitutional reforms.
4.Educator at Heart - While her childhood dream was to become a teacher, Hellen combined her teaching and legal backgrounds to educate people about their rights, with a focus on women’s and children’s rights.
5.Criticism of the Government - Throughout her career, Hellen has been vocal about holding the government accountable for human rights violations, including issues like extrajudicial killings and the need for legal reforms.
Lessons for the Young Generation
1.Follow Your Passion - Hellen's journey from a young activist to a leading human rights advocate shows the importance of following your passion and standing up for what you believe in.
2.Education is Empowerment - Combining her teaching and legal backgrounds, Hellen used education as a tool to empower marginalized groups and educate people about their rights.
3.Bravery in the Face of Adversity - Despite facing criticism and challenges, Hellen remained steadfast in her commitment to human rights, demonstrating the importance of bravery and resilience.
4.Speak Up Against Injustice - Witnessing injustices against women, children, and the poor, Hellen felt compelled to act. Her story reminds us of the power of speaking up against injustice and advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
5.Family Support Matters - While some of her family members were initially surprised by her activism, they became supportive of her work, highlighting the importance of having a supportive network when pursuing a career in activism or advocacy.
Watch her story below