Joanita is a graduate of Urban & Regional Planning from Makerere University. She was born and raised in Jinja, in the eastern part of Uganda. She is passionate about environment, leadership, and creating social change in a community, Joanita Babirye is the Programs Director at Girls For Climate, a movement that is putting women and girls at the forefront of climate action. She serves as an ambassador for the African Youth Climate Hub, and also the Ugandan focal Person for the We are Tomorrow Global Partnership advocating for youths inclusion in national climate policies.
Previously, Joan worked as a youth ambassador for Tunza Eco-generation, a platform that creates environmental awareness among children and youths. She is also a Nile fellow, engaging university students and communities in creating innovative ideas that can help in finding solutions to food and water shortages, conflict resolution and water management in the Nile basin.