Dr. Martha Muhwezi, the Executive Director of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), has added a new milestone to her distinguished career—earning a PhD in African Gender Studies from the University of Nairobi. This academic achievement reinforces her expertise in education policy and gender advocacy, strengthening her role as a leading voice in shaping policies that support girls’ education across Africa.

With a background in education and decades of experience in policy reform, Dr. Martha Muhwezi has been at the forefront of efforts to address gender disparities in education. Her leadership at FAWE spans 33 countries, where she works with governments, development partners, and civil society organisations to advocate for policies that keep girls in school, including the re-entry of teenage mothers, addressing school-related gender-based violence, and increasing access to STEM education for girls.

Her doctoral research in Gender Studies provides a deeper analytical foundation for tackling these challenges. The field examines the intersection of social structures, power dynamics, and systemic inequalities—key issues that directly influence education policy. With this expertise, Dr. Martha Muhwezi is positioned to drive more evidence-based and gender-responsive policy recommendations that align with Africa’s broader education and development goals.

At a time when progress toward gender equality in education is facing setbacks due to economic challenges, policy rollbacks, and social resistance, her PhD adds to FAWE’s growing body of research that informs education policies across the continent. Her voice is already recognised in significant forums, including the African Union, where she chaired Gender is My Agenda Committee (GMAC) for a number of years, the Commission on the Status of Women, and global education summits, where she continues to push for transformative policies that ensure girls have equal access to quality education.

Dr. Martha Muhwezi’s latest academic achievement is not just a personal triumph but an investment in the future of education policy in Africa. By combining her extensive field experience with advanced research, she is set to deepen FAWE’s impact, drive more vigorous policy implementation, and further elevate the conversation on gender equality in education.