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Ireen Chikatula, a woman with a deep skin tone, holds a closed lip smile as she stares into the camera. Her headshot is grayscale. She has short curly hair and is wearing a dark top with white polka dots. The background is a teal and blue half circle.

Ireen Chikatula

Leaders Africa 2023

Role

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Empowerment Initiative for Rural Women and Girls

Location

Zambia

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Biography

Ireen Chikatula is the founder and chief executive officer of the Empowerment Initiative for Rural Women and Girls, a non-profit organization focused on improving livelihoods in Zambia’s rural communities through the social and economic empowerment of women and girls. Their initiatives include advocacy and leadership training for adolescent girls and business training and coaching for rural women. Ireen was named a One Young World Peace Ambassador in 2022 in recognition of her critical role in fostering peace in her community. Her vision is to create an enabling environment free from violence, inequality, and poverty, where women and girls can be autonomous and reach their greatest potential.