Katherine Fleming
During her time at StFX, Katie developed a connection with Coady from the deep and meaningful relationships she built with participants who came to campus to learn about community-led change. That connection continued as she built a career in international development, working in several African countries with UNICEF. Her work focused on children’s well-being and human rights and reflected a deep commitment to working alongside people and communities.
Katie died at her home in Tanzania in May 1999 at the age of 35.
A Legacy at Coady
Following Katie’s death, her family, friends, and StFX classmates looked to Coady Institute as a place where her commitment to Africa, education, and community leadership could continue.
In 2000, they established the Katherine Fleming International Development Award. The award supports African women leaders to participate in Coady education programs and strengthens their work in organizations and communities across the continent.
Today, Katie’s legacy continues through the women leaders supported by the award and their contributions to positive change in their communities.
katherine Fleming Wedding Photo
Katherine Fleming on her wedding day, 1989
Katherine and Stephen
Katherine with Stephen Lewis at University College, 1990
Katherine and John
Katherine and her spouse John in Nairobi, 1991
Change Happening Now
Alumni Voice – Channels for Children’s and Youth’s Voice in Mombasa’s COVID-19 Response (Kenya)
In Mombasa, Kenya, organizations have decided to work together to address various children’s issues in the advent of COVID-19. The Mombasa County Child Rights Network (MCRN) is composed of organizations working for and with children. As a network we are focusing on child protection as a major governance issue, and are enabling children to participate, speak out, and create messages on COVID-19 to the world.
Award Recipient Furthers Work in Name of (late) Katherine Fleming
Grace is the Executive Director for the Foundation for Women Affected by Conflicts (FOWAC) in Uganda, where she has founded a new initiative inspired by Katherine Fleming’s legacy, called Skilling the Girl Child.
IDW: Decent Work and Economic Growth for Women in Zimbabwe
“You just have to find ways to survive somehow. And like most women, we have to just look at wherever the opportunities are and go for it.”
GAWN supports women in creating and maintaining income opportunities through self-employment. They offer workshops in enterprise and finance, networking and peer-support opportunities, and host business exposure visits.