April 27, 2022 Heera’s dream of pursuing an education was put on hold at the age of twelve—the year she got married. She was forced to drop out of school to work on her in-laws’ farm and soon became pregnant with her first child. Heera eventually resumed attending school but didn’t graduate due to her new responsibilities as a wife … Read More
2021 Annual Report
Explore our 2021 Annual Report, which details the powerful impact Rise Up Leaders are achieving worldwide, and the many generous supporters and allies who make this transformational work possible.
Inside Look: Selecting New Rise Up Leaders in Nigeria
March 30, 2022 This month, we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the competitive selection process for our new cohort of Rise Up Leaders in Nigeria. Theresa Kaka Effa, Rise Up Nigeria Country Director, shared her expertise with us on how leaders are recruited, what she looks for in a prospective leader, and surprises about the new cohort. The highlights from … Read More
In Honor of Women Everywhere
March 8, 2022 Happy International Women’s Day! Today, we’re celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world, while also recognizing the urgent call to action to accelerate gender equity. Why is gender equity important? We put this question to Rise Up Leaders, supporters, and staff in honor of women, girls, and gender non-conforming people everywhere. … Read More
Young Rise Up Leaders Inspire Each Other
March 1, 2022 When we were thinking about how to effectively engage and connect with the latest cohort of young leaders we knew exactly who to turn to: Our alums. In preparation for this recent leader training, we embarked on a new journey in partnership with Rise Up alumni to inform all aspects of our work—the curriculum, leader selection criteria, … Read More
Shawana Shah
Program Manager, Da Hawwa Lur | Pakistan Shawana Shah is a Pakistani activist focused on the rights of women, young girls, and the transgender community. She co-founded Da Hawwa Lur, a political, social, and economic development platform for girls that provides a space for capacity-building and connecting members to key stakeholders and policy makers to present their demands for pro-women … Read More
Benithe Isingizwe
Founder, Their Voice Foundation | Rwanda Benithe Isingizwe is a highly dedicated youth activist and social entrepreneur. She is the founder of the youth organization, Their Voice Foundation, which strives to prevent teenage pregnancies and poverty by addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights and entrepreneurship skills. Benithe became pregnant at the age of 20, and she realized that she … Read More
Aiman Haroon
Deputy Manager, Programs, Greenstar Social Marketing | Pakistan Aiman Haroon is a program manager at Greenstar Social Marketing. In her current role, she develops proposals and grants for business development. Previously, Aiman successfully managed two programs implemented in Pakistan on post-partum and post-abortion family planning care, focused on youth. While Aiman works in the development sector, she also runs a … Read More
Hira Amjad
Executive Director, DASTAK Foundation | Pakistan Hira Amjad has been working towards violence prevention and advancement of gender equality in Pakistan since 2014. She has developed and executed various grassroots-level community engagement projects and social mobilization development projects, directly contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal number 5. She is a strong advocate of girls and women having the … Read More
