Winnipegger advocates for human rights from Congo to Canada
'I don't even know if I chose to be an advocate or if advocacy chose me,' says Johise Namwira
At just 25 years old, Johise Namwira is a passionate and political advocate for gender equality and human rights.
That's why CBC community reporter Ayo Odeyemi wanted to learn and share the story of the "Africanadian" — Odeyemi's phrase for Black Canadians who have "distinguished themselves and excelled, while breaking boundaries and protocols in the history of friendly Manitoba."
Namwira — who was born in Congo, lived in Kenya and eventually moved to Canada — wasted no time pursuing her passion. The Oxford University graduate now works for the federal office of the minister for women and gender equality.
Odeyemi sat down with Namwira in her Winnipeg home to learn more about what fuels her commitment to human rights advocacy work.
For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.