Meet Angie Murimirwa, the courageous young girl who overcame her humble beginnings to become a leader in girls’ education. With CAMFED, she’s empowering millions of girls to thrive in school and change the world.
Angeline Murimirwa, affectionately known as ‘Angie,’ is one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2025. As the head of CAMFED, a charity that has enabled millions of girls in five African countries to stay in school and thrive with the help of mentors, Angie’s story is a testament to the power of education.
Angeline Murimirwa is a Zimbabwean human rights activist who has been advocating for women's rights and social justice.
Born in 1981, she rose to prominence in the early 2010s as a vocal critic of government corruption and oppression.
Murimirwa has worked closely with local organizations to promote education and economic empowerment among marginalized communities.
She has received numerous awards for her activism, including the '2018 Amnesty International Award'.
Despite facing intimidation and harassment from authorities, Murimirwa continues to speak out against injustice and inspire change in Zimbabwe.
A Childhood Like No Other
Born in Zimbabwe, Angie grew up in a village where her family struggled to afford school fees. As a young girl, she would often find herself hiding in a makeshift bathroom, surrounded by concrete and holes, while the teacher pretended that she was using it for other purposes. This experience, though difficult, taught Angie the value of education and the importance of seeking help when needed.
A Mission to Change Lives
Angie’s own life story is deeply connected to her work with CAMFED. The charity, founded by Ann Cotton in 1993, provides full scholarships covering tuition and related expenses to girls in five African countries. With Angie at the helm, CAMFED has expanded its reach, supporting over 6.8 million children and growing its membership to 313,000.
CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to empowering girls and young women in Africa through education.
Founded in 1993 by Lucy Lake and Ann Cotton, CAMFED supports over 150,000 young people across seven countries.
The organization provides scholarships, mentorship, and economic opportunities to enable 'girls to complete secondary school and pursue higher education.'
CAMFED also trains teachers and community leaders to promote 'girls' education' and addresses the root causes of poverty and inequality.
Empowering Girls and Creating a Movement
Angie’s approach to education is centered around empowering girls and creating a movement that supports children to not just enroll but thrive in the school system. She believes that if she can do it, any girl can, and that knowledge and momentum are key to overcoming obstacles. With her influence growing, Angie plans to continue sending a message of support for more girls, better education, and now – in capital letters.
A Personal Touch
When asked about her reaction to being part of the Time 100, Angie replied, ‘My sisters in the world, the women CAMFED has supported, our male and female employees, my village, they say, ‘We are on the Time 100.” Her family’s response to this new honor is also noteworthy. Her mother, though unaware of the Time 100, asks if the recognition will lead to more girls attending school.
A Lasting Legacy
Angie’s journey from hiding in a bathroom to becoming one of the world’s most influential people serves as a testament to the power of education and determination. As she continues to use her influence to support girls’ education, Angie inspires us all to believe that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.
