African Humanists Learn from Roslyn Mould’s Legacy

by Bwalya Phiri

Roslyn Mould from Ghana stands as a remarkable figure in African humanism. She was the first African woman to be elected to the board of Humanists International and later became its vice president. Her leadership within the Humanist Association of Ghana and as coordinator of the West African Humanist Network made her a symbol of courage, particularly because she took strong positions on human rights and equality in a region where speaking out can come at a personal cost. Her advocacy against Ghana’s anti-LGBT bill showed extraordinary conviction, especially in a continent where discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity are often met with hostility.

It is important to understand how deeply challenging it is to defend LGBTQ rights in Africa. Many countries, including Ghana and Zimbabwe, still criminalize same-sex relationships and stigmatize those who identify differently. This makes Roslyn’s work not only brave but groundbreaking. She helped prove that African culture and human rights can coexist, and that compassion, reason, and justice are not foreign ideas but deeply human ones that resonate within our own societies. Her courage reminds us that leadership in humanism requires not just intellect but empathy and persistence, even when one stands alone.

In Zimbabwe, there is much we can learn from her example. Dr. Thelma Munyoro’s ongoing work with humanist communities reflects this spirit of courage and service. Through initiatives supporting women at risk, promoting feminism, and creating small sustainability projects, she is translating humanist values into action. These efforts show that, even in difficult social and economic environments, it is possible to build communities centered on reason, mutual aid, and care.

As Zimbabwe continues to grow its humanist network, Roslyn Mould’s journey serves as both an inspiration and a practical guide. Her ability to organize, educate, and advocate across borders reminds us that African humanism is strongest when it uplifts the most vulnerable. We thank the Humanist Mutual Aid Network (HuMAN) for supporting these efforts through the HuMAN Academy courses, which continue to help us learn, connect, and act with purpose in building a more ethical and compassionate Zimbabwe.