About SWOP Ambassadors
Grassroot. Feminist. Sex Worker–led and run.
Our Story
Who We Are.
SWOP Ambassadors is a grassroot, feminist, sex worker–led and run organization based in Nairobi, Kenya. We advocate for the rights of women and sex workers at local, national, and international levels.
We fight alongside movements for feminist and racial justice and centre the voice of women in all their diversity migrant and racialised sex workers in our work and organisation.
Our Principles
What Guides Us
Our Mission
To champion the rights, safety, and wellbeing of women and survivors by fostering safe spaces, advancing social justice, and breaking barriers created by violence, stigma, and discrimination. We strengthen voices, restore dignity, and support economic empowerment to create lasting pathways out of poverty.
Our Vision
A just, inclusive, and violence-free society where all women, including sex workers, live with dignity, enjoy equal rights, access quality health services, achieve economic empowerment, and realize their full potential.
Our Goal
To strengthen the wellbeing and rights of women and sex workers access to services, responding to gender-based violence, advancing gender justice, and influencing policies that foster equality, protection, and sustainable livelihoods.
The People
Meet The Team
GRACE KAMAU MUKUKHI (Board Chair)
Board Chair Grace Kamau is a dedicated advocate for sex workers’ rights and HIV prevention, with over eight years of experience working with key populations across Africa. She has held leadership roles with regional and international organizations advancing human rights, movement building, and community-led advocacy.
ROSEMARY KASIBA (ED and Board Secretary)
Rosemary Kasiba is a seasoned social justice activist and community researcher with over 30 years of experience advocating for sex workers’ rights, HIV response, and legal reform. She is the founding Executive Director of SWOP Ambassadors and has played a leading role in advancing community-led health, justice, and policy initiatives in Kenya.
MARIANA NDUKU (Board Member)
Marianna Nduku is a dedicated sex worker rights advocate and community mobilizer with extensive experience supporting and linking communities to essential health and social services in Nairobi. She serves as an Outreach Worker at BHESP, represents communities on various advisory committees, and is also a TB Champion in Makadara, Nairobi.
TED WANDERA ODUNGA (Board Member)
Ted Wandera is an advocate and human rights champion with extensive experience in health law, drug policy reform, and social justice. He is the founder of the Caucus on Harm Reduction and Drug Policy Reforms (CHRDPR) and has played a key role in advancing evidence-based policy reforms, legal advocacy, and community-led initiatives for marginalized groups in Kenya..
SHEILA RITA WANJALA (Board Member)
Sheila is a Social Psychologist and Mental Health Practitioner with over 10 years of experience working with marginalized and vulnerable communities across Kenya. She specializes in mental health, psychosocial support, SRHR, gender-based violence prevention, and community empowerment. As the Executive Director of Blissful Minds Kenya, she has led impactful programs that promote mental well-being, advocacy, and social inclusion. Sheila brings strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of underserved populations.
LEILAH KANAIZAH KAGASI (Program & Impact Manager)
Leilah is a seasoned sex worker, community champion and researcher with over 20 years of experience in community engagement, advocacy and grassroots leadership. She is a SWOP Ambassadors programs and impact manager and also serves as a community champion at KAVI ECR, where she supports community mobilization, research participation and public health initiatives. Passionate about advancing the rights, health and wellbeing of marginalized communities, she has a strong interest in maternal and child healthcare and works to promote equitable access to health services. Through her lived experience and leadership, Leila continues to foster trust, inclusion and positive social change.
VERONICAH WERE ACHIBELLA (Violence Response Co-ordinator)
Achibella is a feminist activist, Women Human Rights Defender, and sex worker rights advocate with over 20 years of experience in grassroots organizing, community mobilization, and advocacy. As Advocacy Coordinator at SWOP Ambassadors and Nairobi Coordinator for End Femicide KE, she champions violence prevention, gender justice, and the human rights, dignity, and safety of sex workers and marginalized women in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
TRUPHENA AYIETA (Health & Wellness Co-ordinator)
Truphena is the Health and Wellness Coordinator at SWOP Ambassadors, leading community health and advocacy initiatives focused on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for sex workers in Nairobi. Starting as a peer educator and community paralegal, she has grown into a dedicated leader championing access to stigma-free healthcare, violence response, HIV prevention, mental wellness, TB awareness, and reproductive health services. Driven by lived experience and community trust, Truphena is a passionate advocate for health equity, dignity, and human rights for marginalized communities. Health & Wellness Co-ordinator
JOYCE WACUKA (Community Health Actor)
Joyce is a community health advocate and abortion rights defender with experience in community mobilization, health service distribution, referral coordination, data collection, peer educator supervision, and trauma resilience support. She is committed to expanding access to essential health services, strengthening community trust and participation, and supporting continuity of care through effective healthcare and social service referrals. Joyce also mentors peer educators and promotes high-quality, person-centered support within communities.