Ruth Ntombihle Mughogho is a communications professional with a passion for social justice and human rights. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Cultural Studies from the University of Malawi. Ruth has worked in development communications on projects whose core purpose has been to address inequality in all its forms and to ensure that people have equal access to opportunities, quality healthcare and education despite their backgrounds.

In 2021, Ruth was awarded the Global Health Corps Fellowship. Under the fellowship, she led communications for a project called “Umunthu” focused on healthcare for minority groups. She also worked on the Make Art for Women’s Activism Project, aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls. Prior to taking up the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, Ruth worked with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Malawi.

Ruth is particularly passionate about girls’ education. She has committed a considerable number of years working to advance access to quality education for girls in rural communities in Malawi. She founded the “The Empower Her” initiative where she worked to build girls’ confidence in their abilities to excel in education, build a life of independence and contribute to the growth of their communities and country.

Ruth plans to leverage the leadership training offered through the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship to advance her leadership skills and therefore make greater impact in her country.