Rise Up’s global network of leaders continues to grow stronger through connection, collaboration, and shared purpose. Following our in-person Accelerators in both Nigeria and India last year, we brought together leaders from each country for dynamic virtual convenings. While each region faces unique challenges and opportunities, these gatherings provide virtual spaces for continued learning, skill-building, and mutual inspiration.
We caught up with three Rise Up Leaders: Shivani Priya who participated in the India convening, and Abdul Ahmed and Shettima Ahmadu who joined the Nigeria convening and are collaborating on a joint advocacy project. They all shared how the experience helped fuel their momentum and deepen their commitment to the work that they do.
During a virtual convening with Rise Up Leaders in Jharkhand, India, the spirit of deep learning and collaboration was unmistakable. For Shivani Priya, a passionate advocate for women and children’s rights, the gathering was both grounding and transformative.
“Being surrounded by powerful leaders and changemakers from diverse backgrounds reminded me that I am not alone in this journey,” Shivani shared. “It gave me a renewed sense of belonging, clarity, and confidence in myself as a leader.”
Through her leadership at her organization Bal Kalyan Sangh, Shivani is building protective safety nets and expanding economic opportunities for women migrants, many of whom become domestic workers. “This isn’t just a profession for me – it’s a deeply personal commitment,” Shivani said.
Becoming a Rise Up Leader, Shivani explained, provided her with new tools and strategies to approach her work more effectively. “Before Rise Up, tools like political mapping, SWOT analysis, and structured proposal writing weren’t part of our regular process. Now, I use these frameworks every day – they’ve completely reshaped how I plan, act, and reflect.”
In Nigeria, Rise Up Leaders Abdul Ahmed and Shettima Ahmadu have teamed up to tackle a critical barrier to girls’ education. After the government withdrew support for exam fee payments, many girls in Kaduna State were forced to drop out of school. Witnessing the devastating impact of this policy shift, Abdul and Shettima launched a joint advocacy project, “Advocating for Equitable Access to Education for Vulnerable Girls” to ensure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of a girl’s future.
Their collaboration began during the Rise Up Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator, where they recognized their strength in unity. “Working together in the same state with diverse skills and experiences made it clear we could achieve greater impact by combining our efforts rather than working separately,” said Shettima.
The Nigeria convening provided an invaluable space for reflection, growth, and renewed purpose.
“Personally, it helped us connect with experts and fellow advocates,” Abdul shared. “Professionally, it allowed us to showcase our work, gain feedback, and strengthen our impact.”
Most importantly, being part of Rise Up’s community and participating in the convening has deepened their understanding of what it takes to build a sustainable movement for gender equity. “Gathering with other leaders fosters collaboration, diverse perspectives, and shared learning,” they emphasized. “This kind of community brings collective strength, accelerates success, and amplifies impact. It’s essential for advancing gender justice at a larger scale.”
From India to Nigeria, it is clear that Rise Up convenings not only strengthen leaders’ ability to create real change but also cultivate a sense of solidarity and community. As Shivani, Abdul, Shettima, and their fellow cohort members continue their Rise Up journeys, we’re proud to stand alongside them in their efforts to drive lasting impact.
