Ashoka Africa’s Post

#latestactivities In a world where economic inequality, environmental degradation, and social injustice persist, Namati stands as a powerful force for change. Dedicated to empowering communities through legal advocacy, Namati equips people with the tools to navigate complex legal systems, protect their rights, and demand accountability. By placing the law in the hands of the people, Namati’s work aligns with the United Nations’ global goals, particularly those focused on peace and justice, climate action, and reduced inequalities. With authoritarianism and nativism on the rise and environmental challenges accelerating, Namati’s mission is more crucial than ever. For billions of people, the law often feels like an inaccessible or oppressive force. Namati transforms this reality by ensuring that the law becomes a tool for empowerment rather than control. Their work directly impacts sustainability, economic equality, and the creation of a fairer, more just world. The transformative power of grassroots legal empowerment At the heart of Namati’s mission is grassroots legal empowerment, a strategy that trains and deploys community paralegals to address injustices. Unlike traditional legal aid, Namati’s model focuses on empowering communities to understand, use, and shape the law themselves. This approach ensures that marginalised groups are not only recipients of justice but also active participants in achieving it. Since its establishment in 2012, Namati has achieved remarkable results, resolving over 40,000 cases in areas such as land disputes, environmental violations, healthcare access, and securing citizenship rights. (…) Full article here: https://lnkd.in/gaf_BvHA Namati Vivek Maru Abigail Moy Babafemi H. Aaron-Johnson Deyla Bradley, SHRM-CP Eileen Wakesho Ellie Feinglass Erin Kitchell Jayanthi Narain Julia Van Raalte Luciana Bercovich Rebecca Iwerks #globalsociety #globalgoals #civilcociety #SDG #SocialJustice #LegalEmpowerment #HumanRights #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateAction

It's heart-wrenching to see 733 million people go #hungry. Now, more than ever, we need to step up and make a difference. That’s why I’m supporting the Brazil-led Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty and G20. This initiative calls on world leaders to adopt ambitious solutions to tackle the food crisis. As we approach the #UNGA79 and #G20 Summit, it's time to mobilise countries and push for urgent, robust action to drive progress toward #SDG2. I urge fellow NGOs, activists, and anyone passionate about ending hunger to join me in advocating for change by signing the open letter. Let's can turn the tide on #hunger.:➡️ https://bit.ly/3XHkG3U #GoodFood4All | SDG2 Advocacy Hub | G20 Brasil 2024 |

On November 25 2024, Women's Democracy Network-Uganda Chapter and Christian Democratic International Center ( KIC) provided a platform for the district planner of Sironko district Mr. Wozisi Fred to discuss the Sustainable Development Goals with local councilors, media, NGOS/ CBOs and the private sector. He informed WDN-U that this was the first platform he has had to engage these four important partners on localization of the SDGs and their roles in its realization. Sironko district is affected by climate change characterised by heavy rains with lack of proper drainage and therefore suffers from poor road infrastructure that affects service delivery. He noted that there have been no programs to build the capacity of leaders on the SDGs. That the negative mindset towards adapting new ways to eradicate poverty have kept most families in poverty. For instance, there have been attempts to discourage people from growing certain crops and adopt new ones which have market. Some farmers have refused this advise. He noted that capacity building for leaders on their roles and how to transform their electoral areas, continuous engagement between leaders and citizens to inform, educate and promote accountability and transparency, addressing corruption will accelerate the attainment of the SDGs in Sironko district. Note: Sironko district in 2022 volunteered to assess itself on the SDGs. Omer Khan Noor Madison Peak

"Champions of Humanity: African Leaders Who Prioritized People Over Power". This involves individuals who prioritize the well-being, rights, and needs of the people over the directives or benefits that might come from strictly adhering to governmental policies or positions. Below are notable examples from Nigeria and other parts of Africa: Nigeria 1. Ken Saro-Wiwa   -Deeds: He was an environmental activist and writer who led a nonviolent campaign against environmental degradation of the land and waters of Ogoniland. He founded the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP).   -Impact: He brought international attention to the plight of the Ogoni people and the environmental destruction in the Niger Delta. KSW was executed by the Nigerian govt in 1995, admits widespread condemnation and highlighting the human rights abuses in Nigeria. 2. Gani Fawehinmi   -Deeds: He was an author, publisher, philanthropist, human and civil rights lawyer, and politician who dedicated his life to fighting for the oppressed and the govt on corruption and abuse of power.   -Impact: His legal battles against the govt and his relentless advocacy for human rights made him a symbol of resistance and justice in Nigeria. 3. Dora Akunyili   -Deeds: As the DG of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria, Dora Akunyili tackled the rampant issue of counterfeit drugs, despite facing several threats to her life.   -Impact: Her efforts led to significant improvements in the regulation of drugs and food products in Nigeria, saving countless lives over her personal safety. Other Parts of Africa 1. Nelson Mandela (South Africa)   -Deeds: The anti-apartheid revolutionary, served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Before his presidency, He was imprisoned for 27 years for his activities against the apartheid regime.   -Impact: Mandela’s steadfast commitment to ending apartheid and his efforts to promote reconciliation and nation-building post-apartheid exemplify his service to humanity. 2. Wangari Maathai (Kenya)   -Deeds: He was an environmental activist and founder of the Green Belt Movement, an environmental organization focused on tree planting, environmental conservation, and women's rights.   -Impact: Maathai's work led to the planting of over 30 million trees in Kenya, empowering rural women, and promoting sustainable development. . 3. John Githongo (Kenya)   -Deeds: A journalist and former govt official, John Githongo exposed high-level corruption in Kenya. His tenure as Permanent Secretary for Governance and Ethics under President Mwai Kibaki was marked by his courageous uncovering of corruption within the govt.   - Impact: Githongo’s whistleblowing on the Anglo Leasing scandal bringing international attention to the extent of corruption in Kenya. Demonstrating a commitment to accountability, often at his personal risk. Conclusion The above legacies inspire efforts to promote humanity first before power.

We are in deep trouble, we live a soul-starved society that works for only a few. We are all equally responsible for the current state of our world. But there is still hope; we can actually put an end to these complex problems if we reject exclusivity in favor of inclusivity. We must turn from a mentality that disconnects us and instead embrace the goals of restoring balance to the earth and building community that works for all people. If things don’t change, the poor will have nothing to survive on. #SDG10 #SDGS #ReduceInequality #EqualOpportunities UN Sustainable Development Group UNIDO Oxfam International United Nations African Union

"He who has a 'why', can handle any 'how'" - Friedrich Nietzsche The idea of sustainability and its advocacy has anchored itself in civic spaces from multilateral to multistakeholder conversations. How in the good world are YOUTHS involved in these processes? how much are youths engaged in the system of change? WHY sustainability? Is sustainability the purpose of life? I am grateful to the platform #APPGM-SDG and those who were involved in the journey of trust and empowerment. With the recent participation to the UN Summit of the Future & Action Days, the question of materialising the outcome documents nationally and regionally remains intact. Perhaps it is a matter of mapping to the right resources/initiatives, or a redefinition of where we stand and why we are here at this point in time. This document is a contextual reflection prepared for the purpose of awareness and insight toward what could be next. Hope it brings insight to the reader. #sotf #youthdevelopment #sustainability #sdgs #2025 #Malaysia

The Summit of the Future is coming to an end and we are thrilled to have been part of this crucial conversation. Now more than ever, investing in #youth is key for driving social progress and #sustainable development. We have seen the powerful impact of changemakers through our collaboration with the Kilifi Youth Assembly (KIYA), a youth-led organisation focused on social accountability, governance, and public participation. By strengthening young leaders and supporting #data-driven initiatives, we’ve enabled communities to track development, advocate for their needs, and hold governments accountable. Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) like KIYA play a crucial role in sustainable development, proving that investing in #changemakers is key to addressing societal challenges and building a better future. 📖 Read more about our collaboration here: https://lnkd.in/dfpTAgBE #YouthLead #SummitOfTheFuture #YouthForChange #SocialProgress #DataForDevelopment 📸 Credits: @GlobalGoalsUN

#Nature vs #Biodiversity We are all part of the #OneHealth #ecosystem but we need to make it resonate and align with our different priorities from individual, household to national, regional and global perspective. #nextgeneration Zimbabwe Youth Biodiversity Network

Rebecca Adamson, a Cherokee economist and Founder of First Peoples Worldwide, has partnered with The ESG Initiative at the Wharton School to support research on the social costs of development on or near indigenous land: https://whr.tn/4eV9oP1 Through her work, Adamson, who serves on the advisory board of #WhartonESG, has helped raise more than $1 million toward research on political risk and human rights. Some of that money is being used to create a data-driven index of risks faced by companies investing on or near indigenous land around the world, which will be named the “Rebecca Adamson Indigenous Rights Index (RAIRI)” in her honor. “She’s been a change agent, a leader, and a heroine on the side of justice,” says Witold Henisz, Vice Dean and Faculty Director of #WhartonESG, of Adamson. “And I’ve been trying, in my role, to support the system-level change that people like her are working towards by highlighting the financial arguments for monitoring and mitigating indigenous rights risks.” #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth

🕊️ My friend Archbishop Desmond Tutu used to call himself a ‘Prisoner of Hope’. His commitment to a better world was steadfast, even in the face of overwhelming challenges and injustice. During 2024, hope has often felt in short supply. Timelines have been flooded with stories about war, aggression and human suffering; growing inequality; and our planet’s biodiversity and climate crisis. And yet, I am hopeful for the year ahead because there is also so much good happening. Let me share a few sources of my hope – from organisations with which I am involved as (advisory) board member: 🤝 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝: More in Common aims to unite societies over issues that are divisive. Think: abortion in Poland, assisted dying in the UK, or the Israel-Gaza conflict. Their research shows that most people prefer dialogue over division and want to find common ground – a vital reminder in these deeply polarised times. 🙌🏿 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞: As an advisory board member of Co-Impact's Gender Fund, I visited their programme partner PEKKA Foundation in Indonesia. The organisation has not only reached over 85,000 women-headed families with empowerment programs on education, leadership and livelihoods, but also achieved policy changes now recognising women as family heads. 📝 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡: Global Witness made headline news with devastating undercover investigations showing the head of the Azerbaijan COP29 team trying to broker oil and gas deals, and exposing that 1,773 fossil fuels lobbyists had shown up at COP29 to obstruct international action to phase out oil, gas and coal. These disclosures fuel growing calls for the reform of COP. When the road to peace, equality and justice seems long and steep, we need hope to power us forward. This holiday season, I wish you a wonderful break and quality time with your loved ones. And if – despite the negative news that surrounds us – you also feel hope, I advise you to let it in. 📸 Skoll Foundation #hope #systemchange #peace #equality