Uzima Journey is centred on community, connection and encouraging more positive ways of thinking about masculinity and wellbeing. Through the initiative, Kene champions many of the values that also sit at the heart of Women Leaders – creating supportive communities, challenging perceptions and helping people to thrive.

Alongside founding Uzima Journey, Kene is a lawyer, researcher and policy specialist working at the intersection of law, technology, global health, human rights and social inclusion. His experience spans governance, programme design and evaluation, organisational development and partnerships across academia, civil society, government and international organisations.

Kene was drawn to Women Leaders by the charity’s practical approach to supporting women to succeed – from recognising achievement and creating opportunities to mentoring and building valuable relationships and networks.

“What attracted me to Women Leaders UK was its very practical commitment to women’s leadership: recognising achievement, creating opportunities, mentoring and building the relationships and networks that enable women to thrive,” said Kene.

“Having supported gender equality initiatives in different capacities over the years, I have seen the difference that good support, allyship and access to networks can make.

“I’m really pleased to have joined Women Leaders and am looking forward to moving its incredible work forward together with the other trustees.”

As a trustee, Kene will bring his experience in strategy, governance, partnerships, programme development and impact. He is particularly interested in how Women Leaders can build stronger, longer-term relationships with the women who have participated in its programmes and awards.

This includes strengthening the alumni network and exploring how the charity can better capture and communicate the lasting impact of its work.

“I’m particularly interested in how we strengthen the longer-term connections between Women Leaders and the women who have participated in its programmes and awards, including through the alumni network, and how we capture and communicate the impact of the charity’s work,” added Kene.

“I’m also looking forward to learning from the considerable experience already within the Women Leaders community.”

Kene’s appointment adds further strength to the range of professional experience represented on the Women Leaders Board as the charity continues its mission to recognise, develop and connect women and create opportunities for them to thrive.