Human Rights Watch is deeply saddened to report the death of Agnes Odhiambo, a senior women's rights researcher who spent her career fighting for a better future for women and girls across sub-Saharan Africa. Odhiambo was a creative, thoughtful and strategic colleague and was known for her powerful and principled advocacy.
"No-one understood the concept of impact better than Agnes," said Tirana Hassan, executive director of Human Rights Watch. "She was relentlessly focused on improving lives and lifting barriers. Whether it was advancing education for pregnant girls in Tanzania, combatting child marriage in Malawi, or supporting survivors of sex trafficking in Nigeria, Agnes always did her utmost to bring about change, even when others had given up. Her work has undoubtedly helped to improve the lives and outlook for many women and girls."
Odhiambo joined Human Rights Watch in 2009 as a researcher investigating violations of women's rights in Africa. During her time with the organization, she documented the plight of women living with obstetric fistula in Kenya, lifted the lid on substandard maternity care in South Africa, and exposed the physical and psychological toll of rape survivors of Kenya's post-election violence.
Before joining Human Rights Watch, Odhiambo worked with the media to promote women's rights and provide a space for women's voices, and there was never any doubt that she would go on to pursue a full-time career in women's rights. For her, activism was not a job but a calling.
As well as her meticulous research and the documenting of human rights harms, Odhiambo was a shrewd advocate. She enjoyed exploring new and out-of-the-box tactics to ensure that her calls for change were not just heard, but acted upon.
"Agnes was determined to lift all barriers for women and girls," said Macarena Sáez, women's rights director at Human Rights Watch. "She was a strategic thinker and had a clear vision of how to seek change. Above all, she had a smile that lit up the room and a contagious laugh. Even in the direst of moments, Agnes kept her optimism and sense of humor."
Odhiambo will perhaps be best remembered at Human Rights Watch for her work combatting child marriage and her determination to ensure that pregnant girls are able to continue their education.
"Agnes was a great advocate for the underdog and underprivileged. Her work to advance education for pregnant girls in Africa was particularly brilliant, and we will remember her as a dedicated and passionate activist," said Carine Kaneza Nantulya, deputy Africa Director at Human Rights Watch.
Human Rights Watch sends our deepest condolences to Agnes Odhiambo's friends and family, including her two children.
"Agnes was a treasured colleague, and her passing is a huge loss. We share in her family's grief and sadness," said Hassan.
