WHO WE ARE

Executive Director, Social Anthropologist

Ines holds a doctorate in social anthropology and has many years of research experience at the Austrian Academy of Sciences and as a guest lecturer at national and international universities. Her ethnographic field research has taken her mainly to Libya and Niger, focussing on Tuareg societies, trans-Saharan trade, smuggling and migration. She is the author of several books and numerous specialist publications.

She has been working for THE RAIN WORKERS (formerly Aktion Regen) since 2018 and has played a key role in shaping the strategic realignment and professionalisation of the organisation - as Executive Director since 2022. The NGO is active in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) with a particular focus on impact measurement and community-based approaches.

Ines Kohl is also a lecturer in SRHR at the Medical University of Vienna in the field of global health, chairwoman of AMINA - Active for People in Need and co-founder of IMARAN - Association Autriche-Niger.

communication and fundraising

After studying theatre studies and English, Patricia lived and worked in Uganda for several years - including at a local film production company and for 3.5 years at the Ugandan women's rights organisation ACFODE, where she most recently implemented a project to prevent sexualised violence. In addition to various professional positions, Patricia has also worked as a journalist and won the Herta Pammer Prize. For 7.5 years, Patricia was responsible for press relations at Médecins Sans Frontières Austria and after a brief stint in domestic politics, she took over the communications and fundraising department at THE RAIN WORKERS with great enthusiasm and commitment.

Project manager

Maggie has lived and worked in Kenya as a trained social pedagogue and photographer. The experience she gained both in Kenya and in Austria in the field of women's education complements the project work she supervises at THE RAIN WORKERS perfectly.

Maggie is also involved with the organization Make Me Smile International.

FGM project coordination Kenya

Gabriel was a teacher and headmaster for many years. With his training as a “Child Safty Officer”, he placed a pioneering focus on the promotion and enforcement of human rights. Gabriel has been a RAIN WORKER trainer since 2022 and has been a permanent member of the Head Office team responsible for #TogetherWeEndFGM project coordination in Kenya since 2024.

Assistant for communication & fundraising

Anna is studying International Development at the University of Vienna. She first worked as an intern at THE RAIN WORKERS from December 2023 and then as a communications assistant when she started her master's degree. The combination of female empowerment and the academic focus on international cooperation and political communication is a focus for her.

Accounting

Angelika managed the secretariat of THE RAIN WORKERS (former Aktion Regen) from 2000 to 2020. She took over the administration, bookkeeping and correspondence support from Dr Hengstberger in implementing her vision.

"As a long-standing employee, I have witnessed the steady development of our organisation. For me, it's wonderful to see what THE RAIN WORKERS has achieved over the years and to observe how the first small ideas ultimately lead to large projects that positively influence and improve the lives of thousands of women in Africa. It fills me with pride to be able to make a small contribution to this."

Even in retirement, doing the accounts correctly is a matter close to her heart.

Program Manager

I have been working in the humanitarian sector for 15 years. I am particularly interested in supporting children and vulnerable people. I care for orphans and set up women's groups in the Zinder region.

I am currently working for the consortium ACS/LUCPAMIC (Action Contre la Sécheresse / Lutte Contre la Pauvreté et la Migration Clandestine) as a project and program manager. My goal is to contribute to the development of Niger and the multiple challenges it faces.

Professor for bussines

I have taught entrepreneurship, management and marketing in the university for 30yrs. I have 3 academic degrees from the USA and Canada and a diploma from Kenya. I am an RAIN WORKER-trainer and I have been a mentor in Universities and other places like churches, communities and neighborhoods. My interests are in positive behavioural changes in my audience.

Programm manager

I am a passionate advocate from Tanzania for child protection, gender equality, SRHR, and family planning. Since 2017, I have served in various roles at KIWOHEDE, from project officer to management level, driving initiatives that empower women, children, and communities. As a certified RAIN WORKER Trainer since 2023, I blend technical expertise with a deep commitment to creating safe, informed, and thriving futures for young people.

FGM-Activist

I come from Kajiado in Kenya and studied Epidemiological research at the African center for research and technology. I work independently as a trainer and workshop leader for various educational NGOs, including CAFGEM. I have been a RAIN WORKER since spring 2021 and a trainer since summer 2022. I am now also a permanent Safe Camp team member. My focus is on working with children and young people and with men - a so-called 'Male Champion'. My mission: "My main duty is to make my community leave a away from the bad cultural practices and embrace education." I am a strong anti-FGM activist.

Human rights officer

I have a diploma in political education and development aid (DCDE). I have been working for the DESECE organization as a human rights officer since 2006. I was also trained and certified as a RAIN WORKER by THE RAIN WORKERS in 2016 and took on the role of supervisor coordinating a team of six RAIN WORKERS. Later in 2020, I was promoted to lead supervisor and liaison for the project, a position I still hold today. I have been a RAIN WORKER trainer since 2022

Human Rights Officer, Social worker

In 2015, I completed a diploma in social work and community development at Kibabii University. Since 2016, I have been working with the organization DESECE as a Human Rights Assistant. Since 2016, I have also been a RAIN WORKER and conducted outreaches in groups and schools. In 2023, I trained as a RAIN WORKER trainer and co-trained a group of 15 rainworkers in a beginner and advanced training course in West Pokot.

Social Worker

I am a qualified social worker and worked for THE RAIN WORKERS partner NGO mcfPanairobi in the slums of Mathare / Nairobi in Kenya from 2012-2022. I worked there as a project manager for school projects and trained as a RAIN WORKER in 2018. I then became a RAIN WORKER trainer in 2023. Now I work as a project coordinator at German Doctors Nairobi for the Linda Binti project in the slum of Korogocho / Nairobi.

Social Worker, Program Officer

I am a dedicated social worker and community organizer with a strong passion for empowering individuals and fostering positive change. Currently serving as a Program Officer at Child Space Organization, I design and implement impactful community-based initiatives that address social and developmental needs. I am also a trained RAIN WORKER, equipped with skills to provide compassionate, trauma-informed support. My work is driven by a commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and sustainable community growth.

Sociologist, Child Rights Advocate, Founder OF Child Space Organization

With over 20 years of hands-on experience in informal settlements, I am passionate about transforming children’s lives through prevention, positive behaviour change, and community empowerment. As the Founder and Executive Director of Child Space Organization, I lead initiatives that champion child welfare, inspire parents and teachers, and nurture safe, supportive environments for young people. As a certified RAIN WORKER, I coordinate a network of child protection champions, driving impactful programs in adolescence development, strategic leadership, advocacy, research, and capacity building. My life’s work is rooted in one mission: giving every child the space to thrive.

Program Assistant, Aktivist

I am a strong community Activist with Diploma in Education, committed to advance social change at community level. Currently I work for ZINDUKA KENYA, as program Assistant focusing on education, healthcare, psychological support and advocacy against harmful practices. I am trained and certified as A RAIN WORKER-TRAINER.

Community Development Worker, Program Officer

I am a passionate community development worker with a Diploma in General Agriculture and a strong commitment to advancing social change at the grassroots level. Currently, I serve as a Program Officer at Zinduka Kenya, where I lead community education and advocacy efforts aimed at addressing and eliminating harmful practices. Through specialized training in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) with THE RAIN WORKERS, I have gained essential skills to engage communities with empathy, accuracy, and a rights-based approach. My work is rooted in the belief that empowered communities are the foundation of lasting, positive change.

Community Deelopment Practicioner

I am a passionate community development practitioner with a strong focus on research and grassroots impact. My journey is driven by the desire to empower individuals and communities to realize their full potential through education, health promotion, and inclusive development. As a Trainer with THE RAIN WORKERS, I use participatory and rights-based approaches to inspire positive, lasting change. I believe that when communities are informed and united, they can transform their own future.

Program Manager

I am a dedicated RAIN WORKER with a wide experience and focus on community driven impact. I have served in various roles at Get water Uganda from Program Officer to Finance and Administration Manager, overseeing implementation of a number of programs that empower women and the vulnerable people. As a certified RAIN WORKER trainer, I have gained strong analytical skills, wide experience in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights strengthening my ability to deliver impactful health centred programs.

FGM Project Coordination Kenya

Gabriel was a teacher and school principal for many years. With his training as a Child Safety Officer, he set a groundbreaking focus on the dissemination and enforcement of human rights. Gabriel has been a RAIN WORKER trainer since 2022 and, since 2024, he has been a permanent member of the head office team responsible for project coordination #TogetherWeEndFGM in Kenya.