Yaye Hélène Ndiaye is a social entrepreneur with a passion for development. A true leader in social impact, she combines expertise in governance and human rights advocacy with a deep commitment to women’s empowerment through menstrual health and hygiene. A seasoned expert in project management and a fervent human rights activist, she has over 20 years’ experience in governance, migration, women’s empowerment, and menstrual health and hygiene across Africa, particularly in Senegal. As founder and executive director of Kitambaa, she has initiated and co-created several initiatives aimed at breaking down taboos surrounding menstrual health and hygiene, by creating environments conducive to the fulfilment of women and girls.

Yaye has also gained extensive experience in philanthropy, notably as a programme manager at the Open Society Foundation’s Africa Regional Office, where she managed grant portfolios and advocated for the rights of marginalised communities, helping to shape public policy across Africa. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration (International Economic Policy) from Columbia University, a Master’s degree in Political Science from Cheikh Anta Diop University and an MBA in Accounting and Tax Administration from the University of Paris XII Val-de-Marne. She also sits on the boards of several organisations, including RACE Africa: Centre for Redefining Alternative Civic Engagement and DIDF.