Leigh Ann van der Merwe is a transgendered woman born in Eastern Cape, South Africa. She founded Social, Health and Empowerment Feminist Collective of Transgender Women of Africa, and has conceptualized projects such as the African Transformative Feminist Leadership Institute and co-authored the Transilience Research Report on violence against transgender women in South Africa. She is versed in the human rights instruments of the United Nations. She considers herself an “intersectional” feminist. She holds a certificate in Community Journalism from UNISA and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health from UWC. She sits on various executive and advisory boards. Leigh Ann was recognized as a Women’s Human Rights Defender in December 2012 and is also recognized as a woman of courage by Women Have Wings. Leigh Ann has been co-principal investigator on studies conducted with transgender women. She also authored and co-authored research outputs published in peer reviewed journals. She is currently pursuing Masters Degree in Public Health with the University of South Africa.