Watson Banda, Malawi

I am a young change maker here in Malawi specifically based in Neno district. I am also at the University of Agriculture in my third year, pursuing a bacholors in communication and journalism. I am also one of the youth who do things pertaining to the digital world by developing websites and development news disseminating to fellow youth across Malawi through all media platfoms. Finally, I am a member of shifter in the SHIFT POWER TO THE YOUTH program from SAVE THE CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL, whereby we are advocating for ending child marriages in NENO and cleaner environment in LILONGWE.

Neno Shifters aims to promote the presence and the role of young women as positive actor in social-economic and leadership development. -women are the drivers of chaange in different societies as well as hard working and they keep what they want to achieve intact and be responsible for their mistake. Also to strengthen the role of young women in identifying and speaking up against human rights violations. - children's voice must be heard and may or must be involved in policy making tat will fit their generation. Also to conduct civic education on Sexual Reproductive Health and HIV, human rights, gender, Environment, sanitation and hygiene, good governance, agriculture and food security. -make an awareness campaign on the listed above department so as to boost our economy fo good health and safe country with peace. Also to build capacity of vulnerable young girls and women in leadership skills, life skills, entrepreneurship skills and vocational skills including tailoring skills, Carpentry skills, welding skills

Sophy Mukhwana, Kenya

I am a dedicated and solution-oriented professional with a strong background in Business Administration. I am a masters student, currently undertaking a research project at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. I have participated in community service empowerment in the rural areas of Kajiado county and took part in the GBV eradication campaign. I am a tech enthusiast and I strive towards the achievement of safe digital workspace for the youth. I am also passionate about promoting gender equality. Looking for an opportunity which will enhance my leadership skills and propel me towards the achievement of my goals.

Gender Equality in Cybersecurity: Creating a more Inclusive Cyberspace is a project to address the gender disparities in cybersecurity by fostering a more Inclusive cyberspace.

Rosetta Chakachadz, Malawi

I am a 27-year-old monitoring and evaluation officer of Human Rights of Women and Girls with Disabilities where I am involved in the FCDO funded What Works to prevent violence impact at scale and the Support to Survivors of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) programs. I am very passionate about women's rights, gender equality and Gender Based Violence (GBV)/Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) prevention and response. I have a special interest with issues to do with nutrition and children's Rights and protection.

What Works is a comprehensive approach which addresses the needs of survivors of gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence and sexual exploitation, as well as harassment and abuse, while also focusing on preventing intimate partner violence. It primarily involves conducting multiple socio-empowerment sessions, where women and girls are equipped with knowledge about their rights, reporting procedures for violence incidents, and are provided with survivor support services, including accompaniment throughout the justice-seeking process.

Nandini Tanya Lallmon, Mauritius

I work at the confluence of advocacy, activism and academia, focusing on methodologies aimed at narrowing the divide between policy formation and its practical implementation pertaining to LGBTQIA+ rights within African Small Island Developing States. Appointed as the African Union Youth Charter Hustler for Mauritius, I draw upon indigenous wisdom to address matters of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics on the continent.

As co-founder of the #Reform movement, I lobby for the reform of colonial-era discriminatory laws on behalf of the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network under the auspices of the Royal Commonwealth Society.#Reform53 is a campaign aimed at lobbying Heads of Governments of Commonwealth countries to commit to reform colonial-era laws that discriminate against LGBTQIA+ people.

John Swarray, Sierra Leone

I am highly motivated, conscientious, and competent collaborator who possesses in-depth knowledge and expertise,Gender Equality and Quality Education for children with disabilities. I can bring positivity, support, teamwork and a creative mindset to any team, Skilled in preparing reports and projections to demonstrate the value of any assigned projects. I pride myself on taking ownership of challenging problems, maintaining high standards

This project proposal aims to address the intersectionality between gender and disability, ensuring the inclusion and empowerment of all children, especially those with disabilities.

Ickram Shedaffa, Tanzania

I am Ickram Shedaffa a young 23 years old man who is engaged in social and environmental activities with a Non-Governmental Organization called Community Support Action for Development where i volunteered as Operation Manager. The aim of the Leadership Development Program (LDP) is to cultivate a new generation of effective leaders equipped with the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to navigate today's complex and dynamic business environment. The program seeks to empower individuals to lead with authenticity, resilience, and innovation, driving organizational success and fostering a culture of continuous growth.

Dancan Okaka, Kenya

Dancan Okaka is young global change maker, I’m a founder and director saidika Organization, and I’m a Christian, father and husband. Certified private service provider /social worker after working with both international and local NGOs for community trainings jobs / Feld agent supervisor / social worker, my objectives is to empower the society to eradicate poverty ,promote quality education , enrich skills and knowledge to the caregivers and , youths through good leadership and governance and youths trainings including the economic empowerment , aspect of saving and loaning , entrepreneurship ,financial stability , employability skills .

Saidika Organization is a community-based organization located in Nairobi City, Lang’ata Sub County, Mugumoini Location, in Kenya. We advocate for the rights and safety of all individuals, challenging societal norms and systemic barriers that perpetuate sexual and gender-based violence. We engage with policymakers, communities, and institutions to promote legislation and policies that protect victims and prevent future incidents. To provide a safe and supportive environment for survivors of SGBV. Through counseling, legal assistance, and access to resources, we assist survivors in their journey towards healing and recovery, Collaborating with other organizations to advocate for justice and accountability.

Anita Muoki, Kenya

With over 9 years experience across diverse sectors, I love solving problems to maximise both profit and impact. I am passionate about gender equality, the future of Africa, and equitable access and opportunities for all. Because of this, I have been organising annual personal community projects attending to vulnerable members of the population. I am currently exploring the world of systems thinking, focusing on reproductive healthcare for underserved African women. I completed my MBA at Oxford, where was the co-chair of the Social Impact Oxford Business Network and an Impact Lab scholar with the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship.

The goal of the coaching would be to build out the revenue arm and expand the non-revenue arm of my initiative which is focused on African women as well as other underrepresented members of the population in Kenya.

Roseline Yah Trokpao Chesson, Liberia

I hold a master’s degree in Public Health promotion and development (MPH), a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in sociology and public administration, and a diploma in professional Nursing (Registered Nurse). I am trained and have certificates in project management, project financial management, and health product supply chain management. I am a Global Health program delivery certified from the University of Global Health Equity in Kigali, Rwanda. I serve as the Senior Program Officer for the Americares Reproductive Maternal Newborn, Child, and Adolescents Health Program. Finally, my interest is in international health leaned toward scaling up quality Antenatal Care.

The Empowering Women’s Independence organization project works to provide women’s entrepreneurs with life skills- education, micro-loan, and Susu club to engage in sustainable entrepreneurial activities that nurture their financial independence. While, the adolescent girls’ Education (AGE), project educates adolescent girls with relevant sexual and reproductive health information to empower them to prevent early pregnancies which have the potential to breathe early motherhood and deter them from reaching their full potential in life.

Hellen Bhoke, Kenya

I am a 27 yeas old Kenyan female. I am a medical social worker, i graduated with a bachelor degree of social work from the university of Nairobi. I work at Mukuru kwa njenga informal settlement in Nairobi county whereby we work to improve the livelihood of the people in Mukuru kwa njenga community. Despite all the policies set, gender based violence and mental health issues really affect the people of Mukuru kwa njenga community. I work towards ending gender based violence and promote mental health matters in the community and especially among vulnerable groups especially women and girls.

Safe Living: End sexual and gender based violence against women and girls in the community as we promote their mental and psychological Health. Mukuru being the 2nd largest slum in Kenya, many cases of sexual and gender based violence continue to affect the vulnerable in the community who are mostly women and girls. This is why we purpose to create awareness and empower them to reduce their vulnerability through SAFE LIVING PROJECT.

Sokhong Huan, Cambodia

I am always curious about what is happening around me, so I always try to learn and discover new things to improve myself continuously. That is why I chose to study and work in the education sector. Coming from a low-income family, I experienced a lot of discrimination and bullying from my classmates, which make me desire to work in empowering women to believe in themselves and support one another rather than looking down on or bullying others to make themselves feel good or better than others.

Sisters of Code is a non-profit educational program offering a free coding curriculum to all Cambodian girls aged 10 – 20 years old. Our aim is to grow their confidence to continue studying digital skills and work in the tech industry.

Tania Naanous Rayek, Mexico

Tania Naanous is a gender Specialist with 7 years of experience including research and projects related security, justice, and penitentiary systems. Tania is the founder and director of Lentes Púrpura, a Non- Governmental Organization and Gender Consultancy whose mission is focused on accompanying institutional strategies, education and content distribution to address gender violence and gender stigmatization. She has experience with healing circles on gender-based violence, victim assistance, gendered restorative justice, and gender training from an intersectional perspective. She also has served as a consultant on various projects, including the evaluation of social policies, citizen security initiatives, and qualitative research.

Lentes Púrpura is an NGO and gender consultancy dedicated to people with a higher risk of suffering gender-based violence, we mainly work with women and LGBTIQ+ population, offering them a space to grow, empower themselves and obtain tools to deal with challenges. Our goal is to contribute to the creation of educational, cultural, and business spaces with a gender perspective. Make problems visible and stop normalizing daily violence, to generate change.

Menya Julius, Uganda

I am 29 years old with a degree in Demography and Reproductive health from Makerere University, I have a desire to volunteer. I am working as a youth advocate officer at Youth Chaperon Uganda.I am too passionate about advocacy, Gender equity, passionate about championing SRHR and leadership inclusion.

MAKE IT RIGHT PROJECT aims at creating awareness about SRHR especially menstrual hygiene and management among 2,000 adolescents and empower about 10,000 girls through skilling in slums of Kampala and rural areas both in and out of school.This program is being implemented by young volunteers and being supported through resource fundraising and mobilisation in communities,It is being implemented through peer to peer approach.

Khanyiswa Zangqa, South Africa

My name is Khanyiswa and I am a social entrepreneur, I have been in the social development field for 17 years now. I have won 2 award in the field for my commitment. I worked for an organization called beyond expectations environmental project for 14 years and I started mine in 2021 because I am more passionate about gender equality. I am passionate about community development and helping people see their full potential. My biggest dream is to see young an old people realize that they are the captains of their own ships.

I cofounded is Silusapho organization and we are focusing on gender equality in previously disadvantaged communities.

Joan Nandiri, Kenya

I am a lawyer and human rights (especially women's rights) defender working to realize the targets of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5-Gender Equality. I passionately work in areas human rights legal framework in integrating Human Rights Based Approaches (HRBA), Gender Analysis and Human Rights Education(HRE). I am highly skilled in Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights (SRHR), Human Rights programming, access to justice and women property/land rights. I am particularly keen on socio-economically empowering women through an EPPA(Education, Policies, Projects and Advocacy) program; recently launched through KHOLA Dream Initiative based in Western Kenya.

My initiative is anchored upon Sustainable Development Goal 5 that is on Gender Equality. Women continue to suffer disproportionately in communities that are rooted in patriarchy. With a goal to promote gender equality, I am working to curb widow land/property disinheritance that is a big issue in my community.

Hassan Deadewai Swaray, Sierra Leone

I am a social innovator, writer, and science enthusiast. I'm currently studying Architecture at the Limkokwing University Of Creative Technology, Freetown. In 2018, I was the lead engineer for my country's robotics team in the First Global Robotics Challenge in Mexico City, Mexico. I was one of 20 finalists in Harvard Social Innovation Collaborative - Village To Raise A Child (VTRAC). And I received a certificate from Harvard for excellence in Social Innovation. I am interested in entrepreneurship, creative writing, creativity and innovation, and World peace.

About SHE Tells HER Story: A book publisher that provides mentorship to talented female writers and publish their works at no cost. SHE Tells HER Story was founded to empower girls by mentoring talented female writers, so that they can use writing to tell theirs and the stories of other women, and freely express themselves - especially on issues such as teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence affecting women in our country.

Gay Slivia Machaka, Zimbabwe

I am a 30-year-old Engineer and mother of one, currently studying toward a Master's degree in Renewable Energy at the University of Zimbabwe. I founded an organization, Extra Hour in 2021 December, that focuses on sustainable rural development through digital inclusion and affordable access to clean energy. I have a passion to reduce the time that low-income communities lose on mundane and repetitive tasks that can be digitized/automated, freeing more time for productive activities.

Enhancing Access to Affordable Digital Inclusion Services for Low Income Households in Zimbabwe. The project seeks to empower women by enabling them to benefit from digital technologies, ensuring access information on their social, financial, and health resources.

Matvey Kukshev, Hungary

Matvey Kukshev

Hungary

“Equality means more than passing laws. The struggle is really won in the hearts and minds of the community, where it really counts.” – Barbara Gittings

Have you ever thought that setting goals is not enough? They become strong when they are backed up by intentions. My intention is to be a person who has absorbed all humanistic and democratic ideals, a hardworking and honest teacher who is always ready to help his neighbor, happy only with the consciousness that he is a full – fledged and strong part of human society working for his benefit. I see my mission in promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals through the use of information, propaganda and educational methods. In the future, I would like to see how my activities will contribute to reforms in Russia and reverse the current course, characterized by conservatism, oppression and injustice.

Meghana Srinivas, Singapore

Meghana Srinivas

Singapore

Meghana is a legal tech entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of TrustIn, a startup that empowers companies to build safer cultures through a secure, sensitive SaaS system for end to end POSH [Prevention of Sexual Harassment] implementation. She also consults as a certified external member on the Internal Committees of multiple companies. She’s passionate about harnessing the power of technology to scale impact and innovation, and about building capacity in individuals, teams, and organizations towards sustainable and positive impact.

TrustIn is an award winning enterprise software solutions company that builds secure, sensitive systems to manage the complete case reporting and redressal workflow. As an Elevate 2020 winner, TrustIn was awarded a grant by the Government of Karnataka’s Startup Cell and recognised as one of the “Top 100 Technology Companies.” TrustIn was a semifinalist at the international Thomson Reuters’ Ignite 2019, at Tech Law Fest Singapore, and won first place at the Bangalore Blockchain Conference 2019. Meghana authored and presented the whitepaper ‘Technology Solutions for Workplace Safety and Equitable Access to Justice’ at the International Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology, Ohio, USA, in July 2020.

Meghana is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and was the Program Director at the CoWrks Foundry, a VC- backed business accelerator for early stage tech companies. Previously, she’s managed multiple programs, projects and people in the social impact space, at major nonprofits including Teach For India and Make A Difference.

Nkechi Uzoamaka, Nigeria

Nkechi Uzoamaka

Nigeria

Nkechi a human rights activist with four years experience in project design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation. She is a motivated young lady with particular interest in  gender equality advocacy and women empowerment. She is an education and political enthusiast currently providing supplementary education for teen age girls in rural areas to strengthen their leadership skills.