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“When we revolt it’s not for a particular culture. We revolt simply because, for many reasons, we can no longer breathe.” (Frantz, Fanon)
This is me. Maryanne Kamunya aka misbeloved. ©this image belongs to Maryanne Kamunya and will not be used without my permission
A Journey of Strength and Resilience
I am a strong, independent African woman, deeply proud of my heritage and inspired by the boundless strength of my continent. In May 2009, I experienced a trauma that shattered my world—being raped. For over four years, I was lost in a black hole of pain, struggling to survive each day. During that time, the beauty of life faded, and I was consumed by self-doubt and despair.
The Turning Point: A Decision to Heal
In 2013, I hit rock bottom. But in 2014, I made the life-changing decision to seek help. That was the moment my healing journey began. In September 2014, I found the courage to start a blog and share my story, speaking out against rape and rape culture. I chose to revolt because I could no longer breathe while such injustice continued to thrive.
Empowering Change: My Role Today
Today, I proudly serve as the Research and Policy Lead at Project Agape, where I am dedicated to meaningful, sustainable change in the fight against violence against women. In my role, I mentor research assistants and lead the design of research programs focused on gender-based violence, particularly within the Black community. I oversee key initiatives, such as the Healing Circles Program in collaboration with the Ottawa Rape Crisis Center, and work with community leaders and stakeholders to ensure our research is survivor-centered and culturally relevant. I am also actively involved in policy advocacy, helping to develop recommendations for addressing gaps in laws and services related to gender-based violence.
This is me. Maryanne Kamunya aka misbeloved. ©this image belongs to Maryanne Kamunya and will not be used without my permission
Past Experiences: Advocacy in Action
My journey has also included vital roles such as serving as an Interim Transition Support Worker at Nelson House, providing crucial support to women and children transitioning from shelter to independent living. I also worked as a Project Specialist in Community Outreach at Refugee 613, where I spearheaded research to amplify the voices of refugee claimants, ensuring cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in all outreach efforts.
Academic Foundation: A Commitment to Knowledge and Change
With a Postgraduate Certificate in Victimology from Algonquin College, a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Massachusetts (where I wrote my thesis on Human Rights and Gender-Based Violence), and a Bachelor’s in Social Science from the University of Cape Town, I am equipped with the expertise to drive positive change both locally and globally.
My Voice: Raising Awareness Through My Blog
Through my blog, Amandlaawethu.org, I continue to raise awareness about sexual assault and rape, working tirelessly to empower survivors and foster a safer, more inclusive world.
A Legacy of Resistance: Following the Footsteps of Great Leaders
I choose to honor the footsteps of those who have fought against oppression—Nelson Mandela, Wangari Maathai, Maya Angelou, and others—who inspired their communities to rise up against injustice. My mission is clear: to eradicate rape and empower women and children. I surrender myself to this cause because I can no longer breathe while such injustices exist.
I surrender myself to the eradication of rape and the empowerment of women and children, as I can no longer breathe while this injustice is practiced.
A Call to Action: Let’s Stand Firm
Let’s stand firm in the fight against rape, for we have the power to end it!
LET’S STAND FIRM IN ERADICATION OF RAPE, AS WE HAVE THE POWER TO END IT!
This image is borrowed, thus not my property!
