CIVIC CHARGE
An Accelerator for Social Accountability Change Agents
Civic Charge is a year-long catalytic journey for change makers who are implementing innovative approaches to strengthen social accountability in Bangladesh, Belize, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mexico, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somaliland, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The Lab’s Accountability Incubator has provided training and support to over 300 young change-makers across 13 countries over the past decade. Having incubated various accountability-related projects, we’ve gained a lot of insight on the needs of the innovators in our incubators, and we have used those learnings to create Civic Charge: An Accelerator for Social Accountability Change Agents.
It targets individuals (or leaders within an organization) working on inclusion, climate justice, digital governance, or expanding civic agency. Consisting of monthly virtual learning and peer engagement sessions, Civic Charge is designed to provide practical support to catalyze the scale and impact of existing programs. The stackable curriculum will support innovators to work on critical areas like institutional strengthening, advanced project management, and communications and strategic engagement, amongst other themes. The program is a perfect fit for curious problem-solvers who want to be part of a global learning network.
Civic Charge Participants
Leiden Gomis
Fernández
Leiden Gomis Fernández is a Cuban-Mexican sociologist, singer, songwriter, and activist. She graduated with a Bachelor of Sociology from the University of Guadalajara, Mexico, and the University of Havana, Cuba. She has a Bachelor’s degree with an orientation in Music and Performing Arts from the Cabañas Cultural Institute and diplomas in Musical Composition from the Society of Authors and Composers of Mexico and Theatrical Performance. Leiden is the founder and director of the social impact project “Volver al Corazón,” translated as “Back to the Heart,” to amplify the stories of women deprived of their liberties, composing testimonial songs with a humanistic perspective through collaborative creation sessions. She co-founded “Jueves Music,” the first label for women in music in Mexico. Leiden has four studio albums and a live DVD in her career as an artist. Her musical style fuses the Latin American genre with other avant-garde rhythms and genres. She is one of the most representative composers of the new Latin American song and has performed in the Czech Republic, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, and Costa Rica. Two of her songs, “Tu Boca” and “Cuando Soñaba”, have over a million streams on various streaming platforms, and her song “Hasta Salvarnos” has been performed by more than 40 women around the world. Leiden has made music for movies, short films, documentaries, dance shows, and theatrical productions and has received six national grants for artistic creation and execution. Leiden can be reached at Facebook and Instagram.
Damilola Oligbinde (Ifenla)
Damilola Oligbinde (Ifenla) is a lawyer and inclusion advocate with over 10 years of experience in project, policy, and youth development. She is keenly interested in advancing inclusion, gender equality, democratic values, and good governance through her works. She was appointed in 2020 as the National Director of Communications and Programs, one of the youngest national working committee members of a political party, the African Democratic Congress, in Nigeria. She also contested in her constituencies’ Party Primaries as an Aspirant, House of Assembly, Ifo LG, Ogun State, Nigeria, in 2022. Her project designs and public relations skills helped the party reinforce a 35% policy framework for the participation of youths and women. Her strategic commitment to politics enabled her to be at the center of political party decision-making and electoral processes during the 2023 General elections in Nigeria. She is the Founder of the Ark and Rainbow Development Foundation (ARDF). This non-profit and community-based organization advocates for an inclusive and democratic society through responsible, transparent, and accountable leadership frameworks. One of her current projects is the Microscope, a rapid response, immersive, and socio-democratic intervention fully funded by the Nigeria Youth Future Fund to train creatives aged 20-25 for social change in South West Nigeria. Her works have contributed to her selection and participation in several international programs between 2018 and 2023, including the 2023 McCain Global Leaders program and the 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship. You can connect with Damilola at Linkedin and with her organization: Linkedin She also served as a sub-Saharan analyst for the Freedom House Freedom in the World index.
Guillaume
Mpoko
Guillaume Mpoko holds a Master’s degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from George Mason University, complemented by a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Kentucky. He is the Program Director and Founder of OPEN DRC, a non-profit organization that promotes open government principles in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In this role, he leads collaborative efforts among various Congolese civil society groups to advocate for reforms targeting crucial issues such as anti-corruption measures, transparency in election data, and the enactment of laws promoting freedom of information. Having previously served as an Operations Associate at Global Integrity, Guillaume played a pivotal role in overseeing the Open Gov Hub, where he effectively managed technical assistance for a diverse network of over 70 member organisations. His responsibilities extended to nurturing relationships and supporting Global Affiliate Hubs across five continents, demonstrating his commitment to fostering global collaboration. Guillaume is a seasoned professional with a background in Agriculture Economics, boasting nearly a decade of experience in international development. He has served as an Agribusiness consultant for numerous international organizations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). His multifaceted background, coupled with his unwavering commitment to democratic principles, positions him as a driving force for positive change in the DRC and beyond. Guillaume can be reached at Linkedin and his organization at Linkedin.
Shahzad
Akram
Shahzad Akram advocates for higher courts in Pakistan, having conducted extraordinary research on accountability laws. Currently, he is associated with JJK & Co Advocates and Corporate Counsels, Lahore, where his primary practice areas are labor, employment, and anti-corruption laws. He graduated with an LLB Hon’s from Punjab University Law College and did an LLM in Constitutional Law from the Postgraduate School of Legal Studies, Lahore. Recently, he completed the Atlas Corps VLI Cohort 11 with distinction. He had served many governmental and non-governmental organizations. His last work experience was working as a content creator in Techno-ventures and Intersoft, where he was entitled to draft legal and other academic documents for clients primarily from the U.S. He likewise served in the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau under the Punjab government in the same capacity where his primary task was to prepare documentation for destitute children. Further, he served as an educational volunteer in an NGO where he was responsible for ensuring compliance with all the educational developments of the Kashmir Orphans Relief Trust (KORT), the largest orphanage in South Asia, and advising the London office on the applicability of local laws. He loves multi-tasking and working outside his domain, which made him serve as the campaign manager of the last Pakistani Premier, Imran Khan, and prepare the election manifesto for the 2018 general elections. Moreover, he participates in co-curricular activities like debating, mooting, and activism. Shahzad can be reached at Linkedin.
Kylah
Ciego
Kylah Ciego is an afro-indigenous Garifuna woman from southern Belize whose passion for people and community is reflected in her contributions to social development over the past 16 years. As a trained social worker, Kylah has worked in the areas of juvenile justice, youth leadership, sexual and reproductive health, and human trafficking. Her service to youth in Belize expanded through her appointment as a CARICOM Youth Ambassador in 2017-2020, which she utilized to promote the CARICOM skills certificate among youths in Belize and represent Belize in regional youth forums. In 2023, Kylah was recognized by the National Women’s Commission as an outstanding woman in Belize, nominated by the Women and Family Support Department for her work with women and youth in addressing issues of gender-based violence, and as a champion for sexual and reproductive health access. Kylah has a keen interest in governance and active community participation. In 2020, she founded Citizens for Good Governance (CGG), a registered non-governmental organization that advocates for good governance and community participation in decision-making. The organization has hosted events that created a platform for discourse with aspiring government leaders on the development plans for their constituencies and, more recently, provided capacity-building training in democracy and good governance for municipal government candidates. Kylah is a Chevening Alumnae with a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom. Kylah can be contacted at Facebook and her organization at Facebook.
Musharrat
Mahera
Musharrat Mahera is a Seasoned Communications, Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion professional with over a decade of expertise in research, strategy development, digital media, public and media relations, leading social and behavioral change campaigns, storytelling, monitoring, and documentation. She is skilled in capturing and visualizing organizational successes and impacts. She also works as a diversity and inclusion focal nationally and internationally, coordinating with innovative and diversified team members and partner organizations. Musharrat can be reached at Linkedin, and her organization at Facebook.
Annet
Namugosa
Annet Namugosa serves as the Program Manager at Vijana Corps, combining her dual expertise in social innovation and human rights law to make meaningful contributions to the lives of marginalized youth in Uganda. She is a seasoned professional with a rich educational background, including an LLB (Hons) from Makerere University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Center in Kampala, Uganda. Before joining the Vijana Corps, Annet served as a legal officer for three years at the Centre for Public Interest Law, a nonprofit organization committed to advocating justice, equality, and dignity. In this role, she was heavily involved in promoting public interest law in Uganda. Further, she gained practical legal experience through her work at the Public Interest Law Clinic at Makerere University, where she provided legal aid services to vulnerable communities. In her current role at Vijana Corps, Annet goes beyond conventional program management, employing a multidimensional approach that melds strategic thinking, resource and talent management, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Her responsibilities encompass designing, organizing, and overseeing programs that offer young people innovative platforms and safe spaces that serve as mechanisms to elevate youth voices in the struggle for social justice and equitable development. Through her managerial expertise and keen legal anchoring, Annet aims to actualize Vijana Corps’ commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity, thereby creating a lasting impact on the communities she serves. Annet can contacted at Linkedin and Vijana Corps at Linkedin.
Dharma Raj
Rimal
Dharma Raj Rimal is a dedicated and dynamic youth digital storyteller with a decade of experience in impactful storytelling and youth advocacy through communication and media. His passion for visual storytelling and commitment to social change are evident in his work. His expertise is creating impactful social impact videos that have reached millions of viewers, highlighting narratives celebrating labor and dignity. His storytelling has brought attention to untold stories, contributing to a deeper understanding of societal issues. With a proven track record of empowering communities through impactful communication, he is a dedicated advocate for positive change. Dharma Raj leads Jibiko Media Initiatives (jibiko.com), a pioneering youth-run platform informing, educating, and engaging Nepali youth on livelihood options and opportunities in Nepal. Established in February 2021, Jibiko is the first of its kind, offering vital information on livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and safer migration. Through various Nepali-focused content on Facebook, Jibiko helps to empower and inform young people locally and globally. Dharma Raj can be contacted at Facebook and his organization at Facebook.
Fatuma Mohamed
Abdullahi
Fatuma Mohamed Abdullahi is the Founder and Executive Director of Sleak. This community-based organization uses sports for life skills, empowerment, advocacy, and knowledge among adolescents and young people on health and well-being, education and economic opportunities, gender equality, and climate action. She has led and initiated dynamic initiatives that seek to transform communities at the grassroots, including health advocacy to promote sexual reproductive health among adolescents and young people through abstract writing and presentation at the Reproductive Health Conference in 2022 and at the National Community System Strengthening and Knowledge Dissemination Forum by Amref in 2023. She leads the Adolescents and Young People Civic Empowerment for Community Advocacy initiative. She has also actively collaborated with fellow young people in various initiatives for the youth, including formulating policies for adolescents and young people. She is a social worker with a Community Development and Social Work Diploma. She is passionate about gender equality, civic leadership, and democracy, so she is undertaking short courses and fellowships on civic leadership, policy-making, and understanding girls’ and women’s rights. She envisions a world where girls and women have equal access to healthcare, power, education, and other social opportunities. Fatuma can be reached at Linkedin and her organization at Linkedin.
Emmanuel
Sani
Emmanuel Sani is dedicated to solving the critical challenges of governance and political inclusion with over four years of experience in the civic space. As a Nigerian Lawyer and Programmes Officer at PROMAD Foundation, he advocates for social accountability, civic empowerment, and SDGs. He drives efforts to bridge the existential knowledge gap in civic participation and fosters innovative civic solutions in his work. He started his volunteering journey 2019 as a Rapporteur at Beyond School Community Challenge at Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria and the Young African Leaders Initiative [YALI] Abuja Network. In 2020, he was a Global Youth Ambassador at Theirworld and an Outstanding Global Youth Ambassador of the same year. In 2021, he joined the World Literacy Foundation as a WLF Ambassador and was also a mentor at the African Middle Eastern Leadership [AMEL] Institute. He has utilized these opportunities to educate his peers on Sustainable Development Goals, Social Accountability, and Youth Development Policies. He also co-authored an article on the Threats of COVID-19 to Achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Africa. He is undergoing one year of leadership training with the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, & Development [Centre LSD]. He is the current Deputy Head of the Directorate for Media and Publicity at the African Network of Youth Policy Experts [AFRINYPE]. He is committed to shaping a future where participatory budgeting practices are encouraged and governance is accessible to all to attain sustainable development. Emmanuel can be reached at Linkedin, while PROMAD can be reached at Linkedin.
Tatiana Natalie
Kondo (Banshee)
Tatiana Natalie Kondo (Banshee) is an award-winning human rights defender who uses her various creative disciplines, including spoken word poetry and music, to promote creative advocacy, paying particular focus to humans, women’s and children’s rights issues, and mental health. She was born in Harare in 1999. She delivered her first performance at the House of Hunger Poetry Slam in 2017, scooping the first position and becoming a consistent House of Hunger Champion, being the first female to do so. Since then, Banshee has earned quite several accolades and spearheaded a womanist movement called Shee, which seeks to achieve equality for the sexes through the creative arts. She also hosts an annual mental wellness event called Battlescars and Healing. Although the creative industry is male-dominated, Banshee aims to continue breaking barriers and strives to inspire other young women to do the same. She also seeks to make young people aware of their rights and foster positive change. Banshee can be reached at Instagram and Youtube.
Sameer Ali
Khan
Sameer Ali Khan hails from the culturally rich city of Thatta, Pakistan. He is the visionary founder of two impactful platforms: Collective Pakistan and Safar Buddies. With a fervent dedication to fostering digital peace in Pakistan, Sameer initiated Collective Pakistan, a nationwide platform that promotes digital peace content. Through this initiative, he aims to cultivate a harmonious digital environment, fostering unity and understanding among diverse communities. In addition, Sameer is also the driving force behind Safar Buddies, a pioneering platform focused on promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism, particularly among the youth. Sameer endeavors to empower the younger generation to become stewards of their country’s rich history and natural beauty by encouraging exploration and appreciation of Pakistan’s cultural heritage. At the heart of Sameer’s work lies a passion for reclaiming cultural identity. He believes in the power of youth participation in reconnecting with Pakistan’s historical roots through heritage, archaeological, and cultural activities. Through his innovative initiatives, Sameer strives to inspire a sense of pride and appreciation for Pakistan’s diverse cultural tapestry while paving the way for a brighter, more interconnected future. Sameer can be reached at Facebook and Collective Pakistan on Facebook & Youtube.
Amanda Chenai
Makombe
Amanda Chenai Makombe is a storyteller, thought leader, and project manager. Community issues are the pulse of her work, and creative art is her heartbeat. The peace and cultural advocate is passionate about youth development and artivism. She is the Founder of Kumbekumbe Arts Trust and an avid reader and researcher. She is the brainchild of Stories from Africa, the Open Heroines Writers Grant recipient, and a panelist for the Under Our Skin Film Festival Kenya. She says, ‘Storytelling is my magic broom of inspiration, which makes me travel through time and space exploring the slices of human experience.’ Amanda can be reached at Twitter/X.