KATRA MAUID HAJI

Katra Mauid Haji is a grassroots advocate and human rights defender from the Borana community in Wajir County, working at the forefront of women’s rights, peacebuilding, and community empowerment. She is part of Women Organizing Women Network, a women led movement dedicated to advancing gender equality, protecting human rights, and strengthening the leadership and wellbeing of women and girls in marginalized communities. Her work is further connected to key platforms including the County Gender Technical Working Group, County Steering Group and the Peace Actors Forum.

Her journey into advocacy began in 2014 during a period of deep insecurity in Wajir, marked by recurring clan conflict, displacement, and widespread gender-based violence. Witnessing women and families suffer in silence while their voices were excluded from peace processes pushed her and other women to organize and step forward. What started as a small group of concerned women has since grown into a sustained movement rooted in courage, solidarity, and the belief that communities can only heal when women are included in shaping solutions. Katra’s work focuses on mobilizing women and girls to participate in leadership, speak out against injustice, and access opportunities for safety, dignity, and economic empowerment. Through advocacy, mentorship, and community dialogue, she supports women to understand their rights and take active roles in decision making processes that affect their lives. She also works closely with youth, elders, men, and local authorities to strengthen peacebuilding efforts and build social cohesion in conflict affected areas.