Mavericks: Lilian Kariuki

As we mark International Women’s Month, Lilian Kariuki stands out as a Kenyan leader making a powerful impact in digital child protection. As the founder of Watoto Watch Network, she is at the forefront of efforts to keep children safe in an increasingly connected world. Kariuki established the organization to address rising online risks such as cyberbullying, exploitation, and exposure to harmful content. Through digital literacy programs and advocacy, she equips children, parents, and communities with the knowledge needed to navigate the internet safely. Her leadership has also gained international recognition, including her role on TikTok Safety Advisory Council for Sub-Saharan Africa, where she contributes to shaping safer digital environments across the region. Lilian Kariuki’s work reflects the essence of International Women’s Month, driving change, protecting vulnerable communities, and inspiring the next generation.
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Episodes
Mavericks: Lilian Kariuki As we mark International Women’s Month, Lilian Kariuki stands out as a Kenyan leader making a powerful impact in digital child protection. As the founder of Watoto Watch Network, she is at the forefront of efforts to keep children safe in an increasingly connected world. Kariuki established the organization to address rising online risks such as cyberbullying, exploitation, and exposure to harmful content. Through digital literacy programs and advocacy, she equips children, parents, and communities with the knowledge needed to navigate the internet safely. Her leadership has also gained international recognition, including her role on TikTok Safety Advisory Council for Sub-Saharan Africa, where she contributes to shaping safer digital environments across the region. Lilian Kariuki’s work reflects the essence of International Women’s Month, driving change, protecting vulnerable communities, and inspiring the next generation. March 31, 2026
Mavericks: Philana Mugyenyi “Women should not be ashamed of being ambitious.” This powerful statement by Philana Mugyenyi, founder of 50/50 Women on Boards Africa, speaks to a growing movement to redefine women’s leadership across Africa. This Women’s Month, Mugyenyi highlights the importance of embracing ambition as a strength rather than something to downplay. For many women, especially within traditionally male-dominated spaces like corporate boards, ambition has often been misunderstood or discouraged. She challenges this narrative, encouraging women to step forward confidently and claim their place in leadership. Despite progress, women remain underrepresented on boards, facing barriers such as limited access to networks and persistent bias. Through her work, Mugyenyi is helping to close this gap by advocating for equal representation and supporting women to rise into decision-making roles.   March 24, 2026
Mavericks: Aunty Social This Women’s Month, Kenyan content creator Aunty Social (real name Yvonne Ndirangu) is inspiring women to embrace confidence through fashion. Known for her focus on apple-shaped bodies typically characterized by a fuller midsection and slimmer legs, she shares practical styling tips that help women feel comfortable and stylish in their own skin. Beyond style, her message reflects growing research around body positivity, which shows that representation and self-acceptance play a key role in building confidence. Importantly, her approach makes fashion feel accessible rather than restrictive. By using everyday outfits and relatable examples, she breaks down styling in a way that encourages experimentation without pressure. This practical, down-to-earth perspective resonates with many women navigating similar fashion challenges. Through her work, Aunty Social reminds women that style isn’t about changing your body, it’s about embracing it. March 17, 2026
Mavericks: Wangui Maina As the world marks Women’s Month, it is also a time to celebrate women creating meaningful change in their communities. One such leader is Wangui Maina, a mental health advocate, wellness speaker, and the founder of Finding Me Community. Through Finding Me Community, Wangui has created safe, supportive spaces where young people can openly discuss mental health, build resilience, and learn practical wellness skills. Her work encourages honest conversations and helps reduce the stigma that often surrounds mental health challenges. Wangui Maina’s work highlights the power of women-led initiatives in building healthier and more compassionate communities. March 17, 2026
Mavericks: Dr Serah Kimaru Muchai This Women’s Month, we celebrate the work of Dr Serah Kimaru Muchai, whose efforts continue to uplift caregivers and vulnerable families through her work with the Hope and Live organisation. Through Hope and Live, Dr Muchai supports community-based initiatives that recognize and empower caregivers, many of whom are women who quietly carry the responsibility of caring for children, the elderly, and people living with illness or disability. The organisation focuses on strengthening community health support systems, providing education, and connecting caregivers with resources that improve both their wellbeing and that of the people they care for. Dr Muchai’s work highlights an often-overlooked reality: caregivers are the backbone of many communities, yet they rarely receive the recognition or support they deserve. By advocating for their needs and creating platforms for training and support, Hope and Live is helping ensure that care work is valued and sustained. March 12, 2026
Mavericks: Angela Wambui As the world marks International Women’s Day under the theme “Give to Gain,” the work of Angela Wambui Muiruri of Heels4Pads Foundation and SisterSpeaks Global offers a powerful example of what that principle looks like in action. In Kenya, period poverty remains a significant barrier to girls’ education and dignity. Studies and advocacy reports have shown that many girls lack consistent access to affordable menstrual products, contributing to absenteeism and stigma around menstruation. Recognizing this gap, Angela co-founded Heels4Pads in 2019 with a bold, creative idea: collect donated high heels, sell or exchange them, and use the proceeds to purchase and distribute sanitary pads to girls in need. What began as a social media campaign has grown into a movement delivering dignity kits, menstrual health education, and innovative pad dispensers in schools across multiple counties. Beyond providing products, the foundation works to normalize conversations about menstruation and empower girls with knowledge and confidence. Her work reflects the heart of “Give to Gain”: when communities give resources, time, and voice, girls gain access to education, confidence, and opportunity. This International Women’s Day, Angela Wambui Muiruri’s story reminds us that real progress begins when we choose to give with purpose and stand tall for the dignity of every girl. March 3, 2026
Mavericks: Cherotich Rutto Meet Cherotich Rutto, a visionary leader bridging the gap between agriculture and technology. From field to future, she cultivates change, empowering African women and unlocking agricultural potential through innovation. With a focus on market access, financing, and empowerment, she's revolutionizing farming in Africa, one innovative solution at a time. Discover her inspiring journey of empowerment and impact. March 29, 2024
Mavericks: Faith Nkatha Meet Faith Nkatha, a trailblazer weaving the future with strategy, empathy, and a relentless drive to empower. With a wealth of experience in tech leadership, she's known for her transformative vision and commitment to positive change. Discover her journey of strategic thinking and innovation. March 22, 2024
Mavericks: Jihan Abass Meet the visionary founder, Jihan Abass. Embarking from London's trading floors to Africa's burgeoning tech scene, she harnesses financial acumen to empower millions. Jihan envisions an inclusive future where insurance is not a luxury but an integral part of everyday life. Join us as we explore her journey from finance to entrepreneurship and her mission to revolutionize insurance penetration across the continent. March 15, 2024