Martha Nungari Karanja

Founder | Advocate | Survivor
"Some things in life will never change until you speak them out loud."
Martha Nungari Karanja - Founder of SPAW

Martha Nungari Karanja is a beacon of resilience, empowerment, and justice for women across Africa. As a survivor of gender-based violence who narrowly escaped death twice, she has transformed her pain into purpose, dedicating her life to combating domestic violence, femicide, and harmful practices like female genital mutilation (FGM).

Through her unwavering advocacy, Martha champions women's safety, dignity, and empowerment, particularly in Kenya, where systemic challenges persist.

A Defining Moment: The Birth of SPAW

In a fortunate encounter during a visit to Montreal, Canada, Martha's path shifted forever. After photographing three strangers at their request, she was invited to breakfast, where she shared her story of survival and her vision for change.

Among them was (www.HoseaGivan.com), who days later read a New York Times article on Kenya's femicide crisis "Rage Grows Over a Spate of Brutal Murders of Women in Kenya." written by Abdi Latif Dahir and reached out with a challenge: "Start a nonprofit to give voice to the voiceless."

This call to action ignited Save and Protect African Women (SPAW), formally launched in January 2025. SPAW emerged not as a mere organization but as a movement—rooted in Martha's conviction that no woman should suffer in silence.

Today, SPAW amplifies the voices of African women, dismantles cycles of violence, and fosters communities where every woman and girl is respected, safe, and empowered.

Professional Expertise

Martha's advocacy is strengthened by over a decade of leadership in business and property management. As a Property Consultant at Pam Golding Properties, she acquired expertise in tenant relations, market analysis, and strategic lease administration.

Before this, she served as Managing Director of Africa Instant Services, where she led a retail supply company to success for over 10 years. Her knowledge in economics, project planning, and operations equips her to drive sustainable, scalable impact through SPAW.

Education & Community Commitment

Martha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Shivaji University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Banking Management. She further expanded her credentials with certifications in Practical Project Management (PPM) and is completing advanced studies in Property Management in Ottawa, Canada.

Beyond her professional roles, Martha volunteers with organizations like Matthew House Canada and CCI Ottawa, providing critical resources to vulnerable populations. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to service, bridging grassroots action with systemic change.

A Vision for the Future

Through SPAW, Martha envisions an Africa where gender-based violence is eradicated, and every woman's potential is unshackled. By combining advocacy, education, and community mobilization, SPAW challenges norms, empowers survivors, and partners with global allies to create lasting transformation.

Martha's journey—from survivor to global advocate—stands as a testament to the power of courage, voice, and collective action. She invites others to join her in building a world where silence is replaced with strength, and pain is transformed into purpose.

MAKE A DONATION

Your donation of any size helps us influence policies, support survivors' programs and awareness campaigns.

Our Information

📍 84 Centerpointe Drive Nepean ON K2G 7C9
✉️ info@saveandprotectafricanwomen.org