Conference Speakers

Jackie Odhiambo

Founder and Executive Director, Nyanam Widows Rising

Jackie Odhiambo

Jackie is a widows’ advocate, and a social science researcher. She is the Founder and Executive Director at Nyanam Widows Rising, a local non-profit in western Kenya, that is helping widows reclaim their dignity and contribute meaningfully to their communities. She is currently a doctoral student and a fellow in Sustainable Development for HIV Health program jointly run by Maseno University in Kenya, and University of California San Francisco. Her PhD research centers widows’ voices and explores the health and behavioral impact of stigma linked to being a widow to inform practice and policy for reducing widowhood stigma in Africa.

She has co-authored over 20 research publications. In 2020, she received a Public Service Award in Kenya for her exemplary work with widows. Jackie’s desire is to see Africa where widows thrive.