Non-Profit Executive
Ph.D.
International YWCA Lutheran World Federation

Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro

A native of Kenya, Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro has served church and society around the world, contributing especially to the leadership development of women. In her current position as General Secretary of the World Young Women’s Christian Association, she is responsible for sustaining that organization’s vibrant mission to empower women and girls and for managing its international assets. Established in 1894, the World YWCA has 94 affiliated member associations and is developing new partnerships in 15 additional countries. A strong advocate on issues affecting women and girls, the World YWCA works on every level, from the village to the United Nations. Over the course of a year, nearly 25 million women and girls participate in World YWCA programs.

Prior to assuming her position at the World YWCA in 1998, Dr. Kanyoro was the Executive Secretary for Women in Church and Society of the Lutheran World Federation, Geneva, Switzerland. In that capacity, she coordinated all LWF programs for women around the world, including leadership training and Bible studies. Through this work, Dr. Kanyoro gained an impressive and invaluable knowledge of the church’s activities on every continent.

A linguist by training, Dr. Kanyoro was from 1982 to 1988 the Translations Consultant of the United Bible Societies, Africa Region, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. At UBS, she coordinated the training of Bible translators, oversaw translations, prepared manuscripts for publication, and maintained relationships with other Bible Societies. She is fluent in seven languages and has a working knowledge of several others. She holds several advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in linguistics from the University of Texas, Austin and a Doctor of Ministry degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary. She has authored six books and more than 50 articles.

In addition to women’s issues, Dr. Kanyoro’s passions include human rights advocacy, sustainable development, and the promotion of faith and peace around the globe. She has been praised for her “biblically-rooted commitment to the dignity of all people” and for her passion for those who suffer and are oppressed. In addition to her busy schedule with the World YWCA, Dr. Kanyoro participates in numerous other activities. She advises the working group of the World Council of Churches and the Vatican and is President of ISIS International, a women’s human rights documentation center in Kampala, Uganda. She is a founding member of both the Association of African Women Theologians and The Gender Orientation on Development (GOOD), a team of gender specialists that assists churches and development agencies in formulating gender sensitive policies. Dr. Kanyoro and her husband, Muhungi Kanyoro, leave in Geneva, Switzerland with their two children.