Founder & Executive Director CTWOO
Dianah Kamande, HSC, is a Kenyan Human Rights Advocate, social justice leader, and the Founder and Executive Director of Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization (CTWOO), a national NGO dedicated to advancing the Rights, Dignity, and Socio-economic empowerment of widows and orphans in Kenya.
Her journey into advocacy was shaped by personal adversity. After surviving a life-threatening domestic violence incident that left her widowed at a young age, Dianah transformed her pain into purpose by founding CTWOO in 2013. What began as a personal healing journey has grown into a powerful national organization championing justice, protection, and inclusion for widows and vulnerable women across Kenya.
Dianah served as an Independent Board Director at the Anti-FGM Board Kenya under the Ministry of Gender Affairs and Affirmative Action from February 2020 to February 2026, following her appointment by the then Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Prof. Margaret Kobia. During her tenure, she chaired the Programs Committee, Finance & Administration Committee, and Audit & Risk Management Committee, while also serving as a member of the Full Board. In these roles, she played a key part in strengthening governance systems and advancing both national and community-level efforts to end harmful practices and protect the dignity of women and girls. Notably, during her tenure at the Anti-FGM Board, the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) reported a decline in FGM prevalence from 22% to 15%, reflecting significant progress in the fight against the practice.
Academically, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Governance Peace and Conflict Studies from African Nazarene University, Bachelor’s Degree in Community Development from Pan Africa Christian University, Diploma in Governance, Women in Leadership and Constitution, from The University of Nairobi. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Community Development & Social Protection at Pan Africa Christian University. Her professional development also includes online certifications from Harvard University, the University of Luxembourg, and the Digital Frontiers Institute, South Africa, with a focus on gender equity, Gender Violence Prevention and Survivor Protection and leadership, and organizational structure and change.
Through Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization, Dianah has led the design and implementation of transformative initiatives such as:
(i) Thamini Mjane, a widow-focused loan product developed in July 2021 and domiciled at the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF);
(ii) Wezesha Mjane Grant, developed in partnership with the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA), supporting widows’ livelihoods and children’s education; and
(iii) Come Together Widows SACCO, launched in 2024 to promote financial inclusion and sustainable livelihoods.
Currently, Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization is supporting 134 OVC across Kenya through its Education and Mentorship Program which promotes Access to Quality Education and opportunities for a better future. This direct investment in education reflects Dianah’s deep commitment to empowering the next generation, a passion that strongly informs her engagement with institutions of higher learning as a speaker and mentor.
Her advocacy has had lasting policy impact. She played a key role in the official recognition of International Widows Day by the Government of Kenya in 2016 and contributed to the initiation of a Widows Bill in 2015. Notably, she has led the development of the Widowed Persons Protection Bill 2026, a landmark legislative that aims at strengthening legal protection, inheritance rights, social protection, and access to justice for widowed persons in Kenya.
Since 2018, Dianah has represented Widows and Survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at international platforms, including the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). She was instrumental together with lead partner Global Fund For Widows in developing the UN Resolution on Widowhood (A/RES/76/252) that was adopted by UN on 15th March, 2022.
She is also an Author who has told her story of how Domestic Violence ushered her into Widowhood at a young age. Her book, “SCARS OF HONOUR” is a reminder to all women on why one should leave abusive relationships without considering the societies judgement.
Dianah Kamande is driven by a lifelong mission to ensure that widows live with dignity, their children access quality education, and laws and policies are not only enacted but fully implemented so that widows are not merely seen, but truly matter.
- She has received national and international recognition for her outstanding service, including being honored by two Heads of States of the Republic of Kenya. These include;
1. DIAR Top 30 Taifa Executive Leaders™- (DIAR Awards 8th Edition)- Awarded by Daima Trust and the DIAR Awards Secretariat on 27th March 2026.
2. Shujaa Award (National Heroes Award) – Awarded on 20th October 2025 by the 5th President of Kenya, His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, in recognition of her exemplary contribution to social justice and the empowerment of widows.
3. Certificate in MWONGOZO Induction Programme for Board of State Corporation- Awarded by State Corporation Advisory Committee (SCAC) in October 2025.
4. Certificate in Security and Risk Management for NGOS-Awarded by Christian Aid Kenya in July 2025.
5. Certificate in Gender Equality and Innovation-Awarded by Kenya School of Government in March 2025.
6. Global Women Peace Ambassador – Awarded by Women’s Federation for Peace International in February 2025.
7. Safe Homes, Safe Spaces Award (2024)– Awarded by the Office of the Women Rights Advisor to The President, Kenya.
8. Certificate in Board Audit & Risk Management Committee Masterclass- Awarded by ICPAK in September 2023.
9. Board Masterclass in Finance & Administration- Awarded by ICPAK in August 2023.
10. Voice Achievers Awarded in Gambia- Awarded on 20th August 2022.
11. Trailblazers Award (2022) – Awarded by the 4th President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E Uhuru Kenyatta on 8th March 2022 in recognition of her pioneering leadership and advocacy for widows’ rights.
12. Honorary Degree from Global International Alliance University- Awarded in 2021 in Atlanta Georgia, USA.
13. 2nd Runners Up at Individual Empowering Grassroots Women Award- Awarded in 2021 by Women on Board Networks.
14. The Spirit of Philanthropy Individual Award- Awarded in 2021 (East Africa Philanthropy Network).
15. Exemplary Services of Special Interest Groups Award-Awarded in 2021 by the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC).
16. Humanitarian Honoree- Awarded in 2021 by Zuri Awards.
17. 2021 Beautiful Survivors of the World Award- Awarded in 2020 awarded by Leaders of All National International, (LOANI).
18. Global Women Empowerment Summit- Awarded on 25th November 2020.
19. Life Time Achievement Award- Awarded in 2019 by Women in Business (WIB)
20. Extra Mile Award- Awarded in 2019 by Queen’s Ministry Boston, USA.
21. Humanitarian Award- Awarded in 2019 by Global Goodwill Ambassador, Atlanta Georgia, USA.
22. I Am Africa Heroes Award-Awarded in 2019 in Netherlands.
23. Global Fund for Widows (Unwavering Advocacy for Widows around the World)- Awarded by Global Fund for Widows in New York, USA on 1st November 2018.
24. Top 50 Global INSPIRATIONAL Women.
25. Head of State Commendation (HSC) – Awarded on 12th December 2018 by the 4th President of Kenya, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta.
Nairobi Office
- 1st Floor, Room 110, Blessed House, Thika Superhighway Next to Astrol Petrol Station
- +254702577477 / +254789577476
- info@cometogewoo.org
Meru Office
- MERU-NKUBU, GM plaza ground floor room no.G8
- +254799499527
- ctwoomeruoffice@cometogewoo.org