Dirug Samuel is a social innovator, technology entrepreneur, and development practitioner with nearly a decade of experience advancing gender equality, digital inclusion, and community development across Africa. He is the Executive Director of Big Family 360 Foundation, a youth led organization empowering women, youth, and vulnerable children through innovative solutions in education, health, governance, and social protection. Dirug is the founder of several impact driven innovations, including SmartRR, an award winning digital platform that strengthens access to Gender Based Violence (GBV) reporting and referral services, and HerPride, a women’s health technology platform that combines AI-powered menstrual health support with affordable access to sustainable menstrual products and healthcare services. His work has received international recognition, including the UNFPA Pan-African Award to End FGM and Harmful Practices and the EU/IDEA Innovation Award during the 16 Days of Activism Campaign. He is an Obama Young African Leader, a certified GBV Instructor, and a Fellow of the Federation of International Gender & Human Rights.
