Taifa Mary Boke

Taifa Mary is a passionate social worker and human rights advocate from Kuria, Migori County, Kenya. With WHO Quality Rights certification and years of grassroots experience, she is committed to empowering women and girls in marginalized communities facing gender inequality, child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and systemic barriers to opportunity.

As a member at Touch One Life-Kenya, Mary works to advance girls’ access to education, healthcare, and safety from violence. Her advocacy is grounded in lived experience and guided by a belief that every girl deserves a life of dignity, equality, and freedom.

In 2023, Mary was selected as a member of the Girls First Fund Changemakers Council, joining a diverse group of adolescent girls and young women from Africa, Asia, and Latin America to co-design a global, participatory grant-making program. Together, they selected 12 grantee partners from seven countries and disbursed nearly USD 1 million to grassroots initiatives supporting girls’ rights. She is currently part of the second iteration of the program, launched in March 2025, working alongside a new cohort of members to continue advancing the fund’s mission.

Mary’s work aligns strongly with SDGs 5 (Gender Equality), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Her interests include women leadership, community engagement, and feminist, rights-based development.

Looking ahead, Mary aspires to amplify her impact locally and globally by influencing inclusive policies, strengthening grassroots movements, and ensuring that no girl or woman is left behind. She envisions a just world where every girl can live, lead, and thrive without fear or limitation.