In an achievement for the global fight against discrimination, Laura Nyirinkindi, a distinguished Ugandan human rights lawyer and gender advocate, has been appointed as the newest member from African states to the United Nations Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) Working Group on discrimination against women and girls. This remarkable appointment was announced on the UNHRC’s official social media account on October 13.

Nyirinkindi’s appointment is the culmination of her tireless and influential work spanning over two decades, dedicated to combating violence against women in Africa. The announcement came following her selection during the 54th regular session of the UNHRC, which took place in Geneva, Switzerland, commencing on September 11.

In an interview with New Vision, Nyirinkindi expressed her gratitude for this significant recognition, emphasizing the highly competitive nature of the selection process and her profound sense of responsibility regarding her new role.

“It is a big honor because it was a very competitive process, and they selected one person from the continent. So, I am really glad for the recognition but also, I feel very humble because I see it as a responsibility,” Nyirinkindi stated.

At 52 years old, Nyirinkindi sees her appointment as a profound responsibility to contribute to the betterment of the world for women and girls. She acknowledges the challenging times the world is facing and views her role as a unique opportunity to make a positive impact.

“We are living in a very difficult time, so you look at it more out of a sense of what can I give, what can I do and what value will I add to make the world a better place for women and girls. It is not about anything that I am going to get; it is about what I am going to do,” she affirmed.

Nyirinkindi’s extensive background in human rights and gender advocacy includes her tenure as the chairperson of FIDA Uganda from 2010 to 2014, as well as her role as the regional vice-president (Africa) of FIDA International (Eastern and Southern region). Her educational background is impressive, holding a law degree from Makerere University and a master’s degree in International Human Rights Law from the University of Oxford in the UK.

With a focus on governance, the rule of law, human rights, and gender equality, Nyirinkindi has been actively involved in various projects across 31 countries since 2006 and has participated in international boards, such as Root Change, an American non-governmental organization.

Nyirinkindi’s work extends to supporting change management and organizational development processes for civil society organizations and government entities. She firmly believes that empowering groups and communities to articulate and shape their aspirations is most effective when done by the people living in those spaces. Her passion lies in advocating for social justice, particularly in vulnerable and disempowered communities in Africa.

In addition to her legal and advocacy work, Nyirinkindi is committed to promoting human rights education in Africa. Her creative side is also evident through her involvement in producing musicals, composing poems, and engaging in African fashion.

Currently, Nyirinkindi serves as the senior managing consultant at Pro Initiatives Agency, a firm she founded in 2003.

The UNHRC’s Working Group, which Nyirinkindi has joined, consists of five independent experts representing a balanced geographical distribution. This group works collectively and is dedicated to intensifying efforts to eradicate all forms of discrimination against women and girls across the world.

The UNHRC recognizes that women and girls worldwide continue to face significant disadvantages due to discriminatory laws and practices. Their mandate is to address this issue and strive for equality, as discrimination persists in various parts of the world.

The establishment of the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls by the Human Rights Council in 2010, its renewal in 2019, and subsequently in 2022, underscores the importance of the mission to combat gender-based discrimination in the pursuit of global equality. Laura Nyirinkindi’s appointment to this esteemed body signifies a major step forward in the global fight for gender equality and human rights.