Hellen Lunkuse Waiswa

Executive Director, Rape Hurts Foundation/Founder & Proprietor, Lex Farmer & Lex Beauty Enterprise

Hellen is from Uganda.

Hellen Waiswa T. Lunkuse is a dedicated socio-economist and community development expert with over 15 years of experience advocating for human rights, community development, and the empowerment of marginalized groups, particularly women and children. She has a proven track record in resource mobilization, storytelling, program design, implementation, and evaluation. Adept at navigating complex and sensitive issues with a global perspective, Hellen is a passionate advocate against Sexual & Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and human trafficking.

Highlights:

  • Developed a child protection policy to combat and prevent child abuse in the Busoga region.

  • Outstanding communication and leadership skills in diverse environments.

  • Adaptable, hardworking, and energetic, with the ability to thrive in changing scenarios.

  • Personable and well-travelled individual with a positive attitude, skilled in interacting with SGBV survivors.

  • Established a network of volunteers dedicated to preventing human trafficking.

  • Attended the Trust Conference 2017, expanding partners and funding base.

  • Winner of the TrustLaw Impact Award 2018 by Thomson Reuters Foundation.

  • Global Leadership Award Honoree 2023 by Vital Voices Global Partnership.

  • Her portrait and the work of Rape Hurts Foundation are showcased at the United Nations New York Headquarters from February 29th to March 22nd, 2024: 17 Solutions - Women Leaders Powering the Global Goal.

  • Led the construction and establishment of a One Stop Centre to support and empower survivors, victims, and potential victims of TIP, SGBV, child marriage, child labor, and other violations of women, children, and key populations.

    Career Outcome: Professional in community development and charity services focused on transforming the lives of the poor and marginalized in Uganda.

    Qualifications:

  • Master of Arts in Human Rights, Makerere University, Kampala

  • Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Management, Makerere University, Kampala

  • Diploma in Law, Law Development Centre Diploma in Gender Studies

  • Certificate in Public Administration & Expenditure Monitoring

  • Certificate in Development Evaluation

  • Certificate in Policy Analysis and Advocacy

  • Certificate in Project Planning and Management

  • Certificate in Computer Skills (MS Office & Social Media)

  • Certificate in Administrative Law