Sophie D. Ogutu

Sophie Dowllar Ogutu is a Kenyan human rights activist who engages in theater for social transformation. In recent years, Ogutu has mobilized communities with the aim of strengthening women's roles in the resolution of conflict. Her theatre group, the 5 Centuries Human Rights Group (5Cs), performs based on peace, freedom, solidarity, justice and equality.

Ogutu has been the contact person in Kenya for Women Arts and their Support Women Artists Now (SWAN) celebration. She has been coordinating SWAN day in Kenya since 2007.(http://www.womenarts.org/news/dec_14_2011.htm) Ogutu has also done research on women, freedom of expression and theater for the human rights organization ARTICLE 19. Ogutu also worked as a programs assistant in charge of campaigns and advocacy at the Kenyan citizens movement, the National Convention Executive Council (NCEC).

She has also worked with NGOs like the Kenya Human Rights Commission, which saw her organizing a week-long cultural activity at the Nakuru G.K. Prison. The 5Cs have performed for organizations like the Citizen's Coalition for Constitutional Change, the Release Political Prisoners pressure group, CRECO, CREAW, ECWD, Youth Agenda, The National Youth Movement, Amnesty International Kenya and United Kingdom and many others.

Sophie Ogutu's passion for women's rights and democracy led to her setting up a center ( which is still underway) in Kenya's Kendu Bay area. together with her long time human rights crusader Dr. Anuschka Miller, they started the Mamma Africa Community Center in Kendu Bay..An initiative which is based on a spirit of solidarity between mothers around the world. Mamma Africa Community Center (MAMI) is a grass root initiative whose mission is to empower African Mothers of limited education and means with power to realize their individual potentials as earners, carers, decision makers, educators and community builders.