Ireen Chikatula

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.

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

Zambia

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.

Your support turns hope into action

Donate to the Barack Obama Foundation.

The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 46-4950751).

More Leaders Africa

More about the Leaders Program

A headshot of a young woman smiling at the camera. The young woman has olive skin and brown eyes. She has dark curly hair that hits her shoulders and is wearing a blue denim shirt.

Leaders

For emerging leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good.

Learn More
A person wearing a hoodie with the hood up is shown in profile, crouching down to light a candle. She is seen in profile in the glow of candlelight coming from dozens of votives surrounded by assorted flowers. A set of small votive candles are arranged in the shape of a heart near the person’s foot. Six heart-shaped red balloons float above the vigil.
  • The Center
  • Building the Center
Future water garden to honor Ann Dunham, be graced by Maya Lin sculpture

Join other Obama alumni in coming together to support the naming of the Water Garden at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham—as a gift for the President’s 61st birthday.

Learn more
placeholder
  • Defending Democracy
  • Leaders
Copenhagen Democracy Summit
Learn more
President Obama speaks on a panel. In the background is a board that reads, "CHICAGO." It is a bright blue color with the Chicago map on the right side.
  • Watch
  • Barack Obama
Watch: President Obama shares the vision of the presidential center

Watch President Obama share his vision for the Obama Presidential Center during a surprise visit with supporters and stakeholders—a vision for a public space that will honor history, help revitalize the South Side, and connect people throughout the communi

Learn more