GIRAFFE - Key Persons
Abdikadir Aden Hassan is a young Kenya environmentalist and a peace Ambassador. At the age of…more
Abdikadir Khalif Mohamed, a refugee from Somalia to South Africa, has defied threats and financial constraints to serve his community and his new home. Through the Somali Association of South Africa in the Western Cape province, an organization which he leads, Mohamed promotes social cohesion, integration, and a culture of self-reliance among immigrants, refugees, and local South Africans. More
Abdul Fatorma is a Sierra Leone human rights activist who challenges the financial accountability of his government. The government's response has been to threaten, harass and arrest him. Fatorma continues to fight.
Abie Isaacs began his activism in the fight against apartheid. Today he's a leader in the fight against gangsterism, drug trafficking, and hijacking in the Cape Flats, a community rocked by violence. His aim is to nurture a generation of progressive young people. His work is dangerous but Isaacs is determined. More
Abigale Mupambi is one of the few women activists campaigning for implementation of Zimbabwe's new Constitution. She's braved many threats to her safety in order to call out President Mugabe for his lack of support, and she travels throughout the country to urge citizens to fight for heir constitutional rights.
Job Titles:
- Quoting Former United States President
Job Titles:
- Journalist in Sierra Leone
Adama Sillah is a pioneering woman journalist in Sierra Leone. She is also Executive Director of Media Initiative for Women and Girls Empowerment, an organization she founded to foster the empowerment of women through journalism, to encourage community discussions of issues that affect women directly, and to make positive changes in a traditionally male-dominated society. She has faced many verbal and physical risks along the way. More
Adeebah Sha takes on challenges in her community such as hunger, drugs, gangsterism, gender-based violence, diseases, and poverty. She does this by raising awareness, organizing protests, and facilitating empowerment programmes. After Adeebah's mother died of cancer, she and her colleagues formed the nonprofit Moms Who Care. Adeebah's work is self-funded, and her activities in drug- and gang-infested communities are risky; shootings are common. More
Job Titles:
- Founder of Deaf Women Included - DWI - a Nonpartisan Organization
Agnes Chindimba is the founder of Deaf Women Included-DWI-a nonpartisan organization that champions the lives of deaf people in Zimbabwe. Through DWI, Chindimba has mobilized resources for the deaf to start small businesses, and educated them to be able to register to vote.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, popularly known by his pen name "De Monk", is an award-winning journalist and cartoonist who has worked in Sierra Leone print media for nearly 15 years. He is also the current President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ). Nasralla has experienced not only poverty-his family house destroyed in a storm-but also arrests and prosecution for his work. More
Summary: Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, popularly known by his pen name "De Monk", is an award-winning journalist and cartoonist who has worked in Sierra Leone print media for nearly 15 years. He is also the current President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ). Nasralla has experienced not only poverty-his family house destroyed in a storm-but also arrests and prosecution for his work.
Profile: For decades, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla has produced a satirical column, "Teacher Lemp Lemp", which combines creative writing skills with artistic talent. He has also held significant roles in media production and journalism, including having been elected as president of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) in 2019.
His life hasn't always been smooth: He dropped out of school, but his parents sent him back after he broke his arm in an accident. Then he was accused of having doctored his application to the Albert Academy Secondary School in Freetown, but when that accusation was found to be false, he was admitted to the school and completed his secondary school education there. Soon after graduation, Nasralla took an interest in writing. His letter to the then-president of Sierra Leone describing the current state of the country was published in the local newspaper.
Nasralla was asked to work for that newspaper, and within a few years, he and a few colleagues left to start their own newspaper, called "New Tempo". His "Teacher Lemp Lemp" column, using cartoons to mimic daily events, became an integral part of the publication. Nasralla expanded his writing capacity to write fiction that addressed those daily events, specifically to address political injustices that were affecting people's lives in Sierra Leone.
The cartoons and stories were by nature political, and they often focused on the elite of the country. In 2001, after then-President Kabba extended his stay twice in office by six months before the 2002 general elections, Nasralla published a cartoon portraying the Sierra Leone Constitution as a girl and the President raping her; this, of course, was to highlight the violation of the Constitution. In another incident, Nasralla wrote a piece about a Supreme Court Judge who also served as president of the Sierra Leone Football Association; he claimed it was wrong for someone to take two different salaries from the government. This didn't go over well with the government, and Nasralla and his editor were summoned to court. The case was eventually dropped, but Nasralla left the newspaper. Several years later, he was accused of defamation by a musician. Nasralla was arraigned in court, detained, and later granted bail followed by paying a fine of $100.
Nasralla denies going after individuals: "In my cartoons," he says, "I have always told the truth in a mild way by attacking the issues and not personalities."
Nasralla continues his work. He has championed the repeal of defamation laws in Sierra Leone, spoken up on behalf of those attacked and assaulted, and provided legal representation for journalists who have been attacked for their views. He also campaigned for the repeal of Part Five of the Public Order Act of 1965.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla was the Director/Editor of African Young Voices from November 2011 to May 2014 and is currently the Chief Executive Officer at De Monk Arts and Media Production, a venture he started in 2006. His contributions to journalism and satire have left a lasting impact, making him a prominent figure in Sierra Leone's media landscape. This has meant working away from home and not being as much of a "family man" as he would like, but he continues to support the common man in Sierra Leone.
University of Zimbabwe student activist Allan Moyo says his 74-day imprisonment has only sharpened his resolve to fight for a better Zimbabwe. The 23-year-old was arrested on December 7 last year and charged with inciting public violence against President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government. He was released on ZW$10,000 bail in March. More
Albert Mpazayabo, a refugee from Rwanda, braves criticism, threats, and lack of finances to promote peaceful coexistence between refugees and locals in South Africa and especially in places with a history of animosity and violence toward refugees.
Alex Fofana is a Sierra Leonean who has encountered poverty, neglect, and homelessness; he has struggled for survival. Growing up in the far east of Sierra Leone-Kono, Fofana had to beg for food; this eventually motivated him to found the Alex Focus Charity Organization in order to help those who are suffering from physical disability and poverty. More
Alfred Dzirutwe mobilizes young people to stand up against tyranny and to demand job opportunities and the restoration of human rights in Matabeleland.
Ali Nur Hassan is the Chief of Nakuru town. But he is a Chief with a difference, who goes well beyond his normal duties in order to serve his people.
Abdikalif Abdiqafar Adan pioneered the eradication of malaria, infant mortality rate, HIV/AIDS, and distribution of nets to destitute in the coastal region.
Allan Murozvi is a human rights activist in Zimbabwe. Despite threats to his life, he has been fighting for the rights of villagers who are constantly being evicted from their ancestral land by the government led by autocratic President Emmerson Mnangagwa.. He is also the project manager of Platform for Youth and Community Development (PYD), a nonpartisan organization that champions youth participation in democracy and governance issues in Chipinge, Zimbabwe. More
Amadu Lamranah Bah is a young Sierra Leonean journalist who fights for freedom of the media and speaks up for his countrymen by exposing corruption wherever he finds it. For his efforts, he's been attacked by unknown assailants and threatened and harassed by government officials.
Amanita Massaquoi is a radio broadcaster who tells the truth no matter who stands in her way. She's risked her life reporting on violent elections in Liberia and on the Ebola disease in Sierra Leone. She's been arrested and threatened. And she keeps going.
Aminata Kamara designs and facilitates programmes for girls and young women in Sierra Leone. In 2018, while working for the activist organization, Purposeful, Kamara was part of the team who stood against a government decision banning pregnant girls from attending school. She was verbally attacked by government officials, religious bodies, and the general public, but she never stopped her activism, and the ban was eventually lifted in 2020. More
Andrew Greene has tackled the huge task of helping the people of Sierra Leone rebuild their lives and establish a society based on nonviolent cooperation, following a decade of war and violence--and now Ebola. More
In December 2022, as part of his continuous efforts to fight for the democratic and economic freedoms of Sierra Leoneans, Lavali launched a report on issues of land management in Sierra Leone, citing various challenges to land acquisition and the effect on the livelihoods of residents during the process. The report-"The Freetown Disasters: Rethinking Sierra Leone's Approach to Land Reform"-focuses on the Freetown land market, the political economy affecting land and housing reform, climate change, and natural disasters. As a result of this report, he was accused of being a stooge in the hands of the ruling government. In 2023, leading up to the national elections, Lavali came under serious attack from some writers within the local print media; they accused him of using phony surveys to curry favour from the central government.Read the full update here.
Andrew Lavali founded the Institute of Governance Reform (IGR) in Sierra Leone which monitors governmental actions and challenges policies and procedures that deny citizens their rights. Lavali has encountered much harassment for his efforts, but he and the IGR continue to expose corruption and advocate for positive change. More
Angela Witbooi is a human rights activist who initiates development programs and supports victims of human rights violations in the west coast of South Africa. In 2016 Witbooi and her colleagues formed the West Coast Food Sovereignty and Solidarity Forum in order to promote food security and togetherness. She has endured numerous threats as a result of her activism but soldiers on.
Decades ago Pamela and Anil Malhotra bought up 55 acres of barren land in southern India and over the years created a 300-acre sanctuary, the Save Animals Initiative Sanctuary. It's a haven for hundreds of endangered animal and plant species, and India's only private wildlife preserve. They've spent all their savings and all their time and energy in maintaining the sanctuary-and Pamela has described wielding logs to protect the animals from poachers .More
Anita Koroma is an activist, trainer, mentor, and inspirational speaker, focusing on the rights of girls. She is also the founder and Executive Director of Girl Child Network Sierra Leone (GCN-SL), an offshoot of Girl Child Network Worldwide. Despite the challenges of little funding, lack of government support, and harassment from various communities, Koroma has had positive impacts on girls and women in Sierra Leone and elsewhere. More
Annie Njeri Gitu's story is one of unwavering love, empathy, compassion, and sacrifice that has touched countless lives in her community of Mau Narok and other areas in Nakuru County. For over three decades, Annie has been a beacon of hope for the marginalized and the poor, dedicating her life to serving others with empathy and a fierce determination for social justice. More
Ansumana Keita is a young Sierra Leonean who has devoted his life to promoting patriotism, peace, and positive social change, particularly among young people. He has founded and leads several organizations toward that end, and he constantly travels the country to provide information, mentoring, and encouragement to the underprivileged. During his travels he has endured accidents and contracted diseases, but he continues on. More
Ariana Oluwole used her own savings to start Narnia Day Care, one of Sierra Leone's first day care facilities for children, focusing on high-quality early child-care education. Oluwole's financial challenges are significant, but she's determined to bring positive change to her community. More
Asmaa James is a Sierra Leonean journalist and a presenter for "Gud Mornin Salone", the most popular radio program in Sierra Leone. She promotes women's rights and battles against rape and other forms of sexual violence. James founded the Asmaa James Foundation, providing support to girls from disadvantaged backgrounds by giving them access to reproductive health education, scholarships, mentoring, and training in life skills. More
AsnathTeffo began feeding and sheltering abandoned children at her own house in 2001, using her own retirement savings to then set up Dimphonyana Tsa Lapeng, a community organization which provides care and services to orphaned children, children from abusive households, and destitute women within the community of Olievenhoutbosch. Her financial challenges are significant but she soldiers on.
Athenkosi Fani knew he was gay from childhood, and so did others: He was mercilessly assaulted as a child and still is now, as an adult. Rather than hiding his identity, Fani is an activist for LGBTQI communities, creating the Boniswa LGBTQI Foundation and launching the LGBTQIRISE campaign to champion LGBTQI people. Despite continued physical, political, and emotional harassment, he gives motivational talks, trains youth on leadership and sensitivity, and organises LGBTQI sports tournaments and awareness campaigns. . More
Aubrey Robinson is a community activist in Cafda Village, a community rocked by poverty and violence, 21 kilometers southwest of Cape Town. In his efforts to fight gangsterism, youth unemployment, early pregnancy, and violence, Robinson formed the Cape Town Youth Cadet. In addition, he offers free consultancy services to members of his community from an office in his own backyard..More
Job Titles:
- Member of the Sierra Leone Bar Association
Augustine Marrah is a dedicated activist lawyer, a leading advocate for human rights and democracy, and a persistent campaigner for the rule of law. Intimidation, threats, and public shaming have not deterred him from defending and speaking up for his people. He provides free counsel for activists and consistently writes about issues affecting all Sierra Leoneans, but especially the poor. More
Augustine Marrah: Through October, 2020, Giraffe Hero Augustine Sorie -Sengbe Marrah continues to seek justice for his fellow citizens despite the many hurdles he continues to face. He has now been found guilty of criminal contempt after challenging a ruling by the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone on 26th October that charged him with "unprofessional misconduct" following his failure to appear before the Court after his social media posting which the Court referred to as "contemptuous and demeaning to the sanctity and integrity of the Court."
Summary: Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah is a dedicated activist lawyer, a leading advocate for human rights and democracy, and a persistent campaigner for the rule of law. Intimidation, threats, and public shaming have not deterred him from defending and speaking up for his people. Through his blogs and his chairmanship of the Renaissance Movement, he provides free counsel for activists and consistently writes about issues affecting all Sierra Leoneans, but especially the poor.
Profile: Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah believes in human rights. His journey started about a decade ago after a short stint at the Special Court for Sierra Leone in 2009. The following year, he obtained a Masters in Human Rights Law and Democratization from the University of Pretoria's leading centre on human rights education in Africa. That was the dawn of his burgeoning interest in issues of democratic governance, rule of law, and human rights. Over the past few years, Marrah has written-in blogs, on Facebook, and elsewhere-about these issues, and in particular about how they affect the poor.
A practicing attorney and a member of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Marrah makes no secret about his views-either to government officials or to the public at large. On September 18, 2013, Marrah wrote an open appeal letter to former Chief Justice of Sierra Leone Abdulai Cham to constitute panels for constitutional-rights cases before the Supreme Court. In the letter, Marrah noted that the issue borders on "fundamental rights and freedoms" that "are the very bedrock of a free and democratic society".
Marrah also heads the Renaissance Movement, a nonpartisan group that aims to break the cycle of poverty and provide justice for the poor. Through the Movement, Marrah has helped-with no charge-bail out activists who have been imprisoned. His writings have inspired others to pursue similar causes.
Marrah's views, of course, have not gone unnoticed by his opponents. He has been threatened numerous times, particularly when he publishes articles on human rights, rape, and the unfairness of the judicial system. He lost a prestigious job as a board member of Sierra Leone Cable Ltd., which many considered a result of his activism. And, he says, recalling his own financial situation, "There are times I have worried about my next meal, electricity, transportation, ever since I was a student leader a decade ago, and this hasn't stopped."
But he persists: "I have tried my best to help many citizens who have been either denied the right to exercising their constitutional rights or arrested for same, including women battling with human rights violations. This is totally undesirable in this time when the country's 1991 constitution guarantees citizens of fundamental rights, for which the state is under obligation to enforce."
Threats or not, Marrah has been recognized as one of the 10 Most Influential Sierra Leoneans. He made the list alongside the First lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone and two other Giraffe Heroes-lawyer Basita Michael and social activist Ishmeal Charles. "I feel honored," he says, "and won't be stopped or forced to quit human rights work."
Augustine Marrah: After becoming a Giraffe Hero in 2021 and been found guilty of criminal contempt after challenging a ruling by the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone on October 26, 2021, Marrah has not given up on his journey to speak up against the Government of Sierra Leone and other State institutions.
Following the outcome of Presidential and Parliamentary/Local Council elections on June 27 and July 1, 2023, Marrah filed papers in the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone challenging the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) for its refusal to grant him access to the disaggregated polling station results-the Reconciliation and Result Forms. Marrah claims that this is a violation of his constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression and access to information, as provided for under the Right to Access Information (RAIC) Act of 2013 and Section 25 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone. Despite the RAIC's instructions in a letter dated August 24, 2023, the ECSL failed to release the requested polling station results to Marrah or make them available to the public.
In his papers filed in court, Marrah argues that the ECSL lacks legal basis or justification to restrict citizens' access to polling station results, which he believes are fundamental to the electoral outcome announced by the ECSL. His argument has been supported by numerous national and international bodies, including the Carter Centre in the United States, the EU Observer Mission for Sierra Leone, the US Embassy, and the National Elections Watch, all of which have encouraged the ECSL to provide transparency by releasing the disaggregated data, allowing citizens to verify the election results.
Marrah is now seeking intervention from the highest court in Sierra Leone and filed papers requesting that the Supreme Court order the ECSL to provide him with the original copies of all 11,712 polling station results within seven days of the order. However, the Supreme Court has said that Marah failed to comply with the Court Rules of 1982. Marrah has defended his actions, citing the Interpretation Act of 1971 and High Court Rules of 2007, adding that his filing on October 23, the next business day after the deadline, adhered to legal provisions. He had this to say after the ruling: "It is mischievously erroneous to say, 17 days after arguments were filed, that I did not comply with the Rules."
Axolile Notywala devotes his life to fighting injustice and inequality in South Africa. As General Secretary of the Social Justice Coalition, he stages protests, coordinates with other organizations, and challenges the government in advocating for accountability, inclusivity, and better living conditions for people in underprivileged communities. He has been arrested and assaulted by police many times.
Sierra Leone attorney Basita Michael has continually challenged the government on grounds of unconstitutionality, violations of democracy and breaches of the rule of law. She has been insulted, harassed, and threatened by the male-dominated government, but she continues to speak out
Beatrice Savadye is a 27 year old human rights activists and current Director for Real Open Opportunities for Transformation…more
In 2008, Zimbabwe government supporters destroyed the farm estate of white farmers Ben Freeth and his father-in-law, Mike Campbell and forced them out. Freeth has been arrested and beaten, but continues to organize campaigns to prevent usurpation of lands without compensation. More
Betty Makoni knows all about the traumas that can befall a girl child in her country, Zimbabwe. She lived through horrors herself and is…more
Sierra Leone Army Doctor Billy Sankoh was one of the first physicians to work at the country's new Ebola Treatment Center. The Ebola virus was raging throughout the country, and Sankoh oversaw hundreds of dying patients, including his fellow doctors. Every day, Sankoh risked his life.
Brown Lekekela, a community volunteer and human rights defender, fights for gender justice and children's rights in Diesploot, 21 km north of Johannesburg. In 2013 he opened the Green Door Shelter to give a place of safety, counselling and referral to victims of gender based violence. Male perpetrators of violence against women are threatened by his work but Lekekela braves the risks.
Bunker Roy, through his Tilonia Covid Relief organization, is helping keep thousands of poor people from starving because of the lockdowns imposed by the government's response to the pandemic.,More
Born into an upper-caste Indian family and educated at his country's best schools, Bunker Roy chose to learn from indigenous villagers, people who know how to cook over fires, dig wells, deliver babies. Roy established the Barefoot College, setting up such competent villagers as faculty, passing their knowledge to thousands of others.
Busani Sibindi is an activist in Zimbabwe who wants justice for the thousands of people massacred in a tribal purge decades ago. The government threatens, arrests, and harasses him. Still, he persists, founding the Save Matebeland Coalition Trust and organizing protests throughout the country. More
Candice Chirwa, an academic, author, and gender activist, confronts the destigmatisation of menstruation in South Africa. In 2018, Chirwa formed Qrate, a nonprofit organisation promoting the dignity of women and girls by providing menstrual heath and sexual health education. She often faces resistance to her work from conservative elements within society, and she has sacrificed resources, time, and effort. More
Chandi Prasad Bhatt of Uttar Pradesh, India, has devoted his life to guiding the Chipko movement in northern India, fighting powerful logging companies who were destroying Himalayan mountain forest environments. Thousands of villagers joined Chipko, literally hugging trees to prevent them from being clearcut. More
Chenjerai Hove was a prolific poet whose literary work was humorous, hard hitting and educative. From 1982 till his death in July 2015, Hove dedicated his time to writing short stories and poems that depicted the struggles and travails of Zimbabweans under the autocratic rule of President Robert Mugabe. Hove died in exile in Norway on 12 July 2015. more
Chernoh Alpha M Bah has fought for the rights of the oppressed in Sierra Leone and elsewhere ever since he was a teenager. He has exposed corruption,, founded and led organizations that publicize wrongdoing, and written books and given speeches about government misfeasance. He's been arrested, jailed, exiled, and threatened with lawsuits even as he lives in the United States. Nonetheless, he continues. More
Chernor Bah is a Giraffe Hero for his work as a global advocate for human rights and education, as a champion for the rights of girls, and for his brave work in helping combat the recent Ebola outbreak in his home country of Sierra Leone. More
Cheryl Hlabane empowers women to realise their full potential and to be treated as equals in a society rocked by gender-based violence. A former businesswoman who forsook the corporate life for one of women's advocacy, Hlabane manages the Frida Hartley Shelter, taking in women and their children who have endured neglect, abuse, trauma, and homelessness. Hlabane has had her reputation tarnished and her life threatened.
Christine Tanguli. a former high school teacher and UN employee, now runs two orphanages and a high school for disadvantaged kids. She also houses more than 20-orphaned kids in her own house. More .
Christopher Koitsioe, a former Staff Sargeant and evangelist, fearlessly stands against the forced evictions and mistreatment of residents of Marievale by the South African Defense Force to pave way for a military base. He's been arrested and his house firebombed. In spite of threats, Koitsioe soldiers on.
Christopher Mulwa, helps and counsels children forced into early marriages. He also helps youth open small businesses so they don't have to "fish for sex" to survive. More
Danmore Chuma is a radical educationist, journalist and an award winning Giraffe Hero frontline human rights defender. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree.
David Kuria has for a long period of time been in involved in human rights activism. Mr Kuria's crusade for…more
After David Tam-Baryoh challenged the transparency of a financial decision in a radio interview, the government arrested, interrogated, and imprisoned him. His radio show was canceled, he was labeled an "enemy of the State," and he had his passport taken away.
Davy Ndlovu campaigns for the rights of the San, a hunter-gatherer people threatened by land-grabbing by dominant tribes. Ndlovu has been attacked by both the government and local farmers, but he's succeeded in recovering much of the San culture lost over the past century. More
Dereck Nziyakwi uses theater and comedy to expose rampant human rights abuses perpetrated against the people by the state in Zimbabwe. His political satire has earned him praises from citizens across the country but that has also attracted persecution from the brutal police system including several arrests.
Diaka Salena Koroma is a women's and girls' rights activist in Sierra Leone, fighting particularly against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). In 2016 she opened the Girlz Empowered-Sierra Leone to empower less-privileged women and young girls, mentoring them on gender-based violence as well as sexual and reproductive health issues. As a result of her work, Koroma has been physically attacked and beaten, threatened by FGM traditionalists, and deprived of funding.
Dilip Simeon, an academic historian and proponent of non-violence, led his college in a campaign to get a living wage for the college gardener. For his leadership, he was beaten so badly by hired thugs that he was hospitalized. The college president was removed for hiring the thugs and Simeon went on teaching peaceful problem-solving at his college and in venues in many other countries. More
Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy could have retired in comfort after a long career as a staff opthamologist at a hospital. Instead, he mortgaged his home and used the capital to open a free eye clinic so that Indians who couldn't afford private care could receive critical eye surgery at little or no cost. His clinic grew to become the largest eye-care facility in the world, treating thousands of patients a day. More
For eight weeks, Dr. Komba Songu-M'briwa worked at the understaffed Hastings Ebola Treatment Centre outside Sierra Leone's capital. When he began feeling sick, he thought it might be exhaustion but on Nov. 26, 2014 he got dreadful news: He'd tested positive for Ebola. More
For eight weeks, Dr. Komba Songu-M'briwa worked at the understaffed Hastings Ebola Treatment Centre outside Sierra Leone's capital. When he began feeling sick, he thought it might be exhaustion but on Nov. 26, 2014 he got dreadful news: He'd tested positive for Ebola.
Songu-M'briwa and just two other doctors, along with 77 nurses, worked at the 120-bed treatment centre. It was the "most difficult, most pitiful" work of his life, the 32-year-old said in a telephone interview with Giraffe Heroes Sierra Leone (GH-SL). Even so, he vowed to return to that crucial work if he recovered: "I enjoy the work here and I hope and pray once I'm out of here, I'll take a bit of rest, and I'll come back and fight."
And he did. He was one of the lucky ones who survived the dread disease. Sierra Leone by that point had lost seven doctors to Ebola. The country had only about 135 doctors to begin with, serving 6 million people. Sierra Leone's acute lack of doctors and its crumbling health system are partially a legacy of a decade of civil war.
Health care workers treating Ebola are supposed to spend only about an hour inside a treatment unit because of the dehydration and exhaustion that comes from wearing a sealed protective suit and the focus required to take care of the patients. But there are too many patients to take one-hour shifts at Hastings, Songu-M'briwa said, so he and his colleagues laboured for three or four hours at a time. "We were stretched out--three of us just couldn't do all the medical work needed," he said.
The staff at the Centre relied on patients to help keep an eye on one another and call for help as needed, Songu-M'briwa said. Ebola is spread through contact with bodily fluids, and often whole families are brought in at the same time. When one's condition worsens, a relative is often the one who sounds the alarm, calling doctors back to the ward to attend to the patient.
Most nights, Songu-M'briwa slept at the facility but he tried to go home to see his wife and two children a couple times a week. When he initially started feeling under the weather, he thought the pace had just gotten to him and he went home to rest. But his symptoms worsened and when he got a fever he was pretty sure it was Ebola. He called his treatment centre to come get him.
Songu-M'briwa was given his own room at Hastings when he contracted the disease, but he otherwise received treatment similar to that of all patients: general antibiotics to keep other diseases at bay, intravenous fluids to replace fluids lost through diarrhoea and vomiting, and good nutrition to keep his strength up. He noted that Hastings didn't have access to experimental drugs or techniques during the time of the outbreak, but that the basic interventions applied then still helped a lot of people, especially when the infection was caught early, as his was.
Growing up in the Eastern part of the Sierra Leone, Songu-M'briwa was good at maths and physics and he thought he would be an engineer. But his mother wanted him to be a doctor. Many of his former medical school classmates went into private practice in Sierra Leone or left the country, but Songu-M'briwa joined the military where he is a captain. He was working at the 34 Military Hospital in Freetown until he volunteered for duty at Hastings in the wake of the Ebola outbreak. "When Ebola broke out, I felt it was a fight for all of us to try to contain. For me personally, it's a passion to serve humanity," he said. Before contracting Ebola, he had tried rallying his colleagues at 34 Military Hospital to join him in volunteering for Ebola duty and thought he was succeeding. But his illness "sent shockwaves," making that effort harder, Songu-M'briwa said. "But I told them, 'don't worry,"' he said. "If I became infected and I got through it--we can all get through it. It's not going to stop me. I am not going to relent."
In recognition of his service during the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, Dr. Komba Songu-M'briwa was given a Gold Medal for his outstanding contributions in the fight against Ebola by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr.Ernest Bai Koroma.
Dr. Mabelle Arole of Maharashtra, India gave up the comforts of a professional's life to develop a community-based health program in her country, training health workers in their own villages. As a result of her program, more infants survived and the number of unplanned pregnancies dropped.
Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone, Dr. Nellie Bell worked tirelessly as the head of Ola During Children's Hospital in Freetown. On April 2, 2020, Dr. Bell tested positive for the virus. She's now recovered and is back on the front lines. Her boldness in isolating herself when she got infected and her clarion call for others to take required precautions saved lives, and her continuing efforts will save even more. More
When COVID-19 broke out in South Africa, Ebrahim Abrahams, a teacher in Kewtown, started using the money he'd saved to buy a car for his daughter as a graduation present to feed the poor and hungry. For him and the family members and community volunteers who help him, that means spending long evenings in dangerous neighborhoods and exposing themselves to the virus as well. . More
In Zimbabwe, the state continues to trample upon the freedom of the press. A number of journalists have been arrested or beaten up for truthful reporting and 32 year old reporter Edgar Gweshe is one of the victims of state brutality. more
Zimbabwe is amongst the most difficult places to operate as a journalist in Africa as the state continues to trample upon the freedom of the press. In the past few months a number of journalists have been arrested or beaten up for reporting the truth. 32 year old reporter Edgar Gweshe is one of the victims of state brutality.
Whilst in the line of duty, he has been beaten up by Municipal police officers whilst covering a demonstration by vendors who were resisting forced relocations in the Central Business District (CBD).
Again, barely a few weeks after that embarrassing incident that was condemned by the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), Edgar was severely beaten by prison guards at Harare Remand Prison whilst covering the case of human rights activists who had visited their colleagues at the prison.
To add more insult to the injury Gweshe was arraigned to the courts where he is facing charges of attempting to organize a prison break.
"I'm very passionate about my job and this has led me into trouble with the authorities.
I have been beaten heavily and have been arraigned to the courts following the prison visit that I was again assaulted.
This will not deter my job and will carry on with my work,"he said.
Outspoken and bold, Sierra Leonean economic justice activist Edmond Abu, Jr., "speaks truth to power," panning government political and petroleum products abuses and supporting human rights. For his efforts he's been labeled a "security threat" and forcefully arrested by the government of Sierra Leone for demanding a decrease in fuel prices across the country. More
Giraffe Hero Edmond Abu continues to fight for citizens' rights in Sierra Leone. This time the issue is the telecommunications industry. Abu launched his fight in 2018 by suing the two leading mobile companies in Sierra Leone over alleged poor treatment of customers and high mobile tariffs. The suit also roped in the government's national telecommunications commission (NATCOM) for being ineffective in monitoring the operations of these mobile companies as demanded by law.
The case has dragged on in the courts. But on the day the final verdict was to be delivered, Abu was arrested outside the law court in Freetown on a matter that has attracted millions of citizens. The charge against him was contempt of court. Days before his arrest Abu had taken to radio to call on citizens who have been affected by the activities of these mobile companies to show solidarity with his course. These broadcasts led to his arrest.
Fast forward, on 10th January, 2023, Edmond Abu was sentenced to 21 days imprisonment but 10 days later his detention was suspended for twelve months on condition that he not repeat the conduct for which he was arrested.
But Abu continues to speak up and, weeks after his suspended sentence, he was seen holding placards in the nation's Eastern Region of Kenema when the President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio visited. His placards called out the President to act tough on the mobile companies. For Abu, no arrest and detention will quench his campaign for a better Sierra Leone.
Unfortunately, Giraffe Heroes don't always win. In this case, the Court dismissed the claims brought up by Abu, ruling that the mobile companies had done no wrong
Elizabeth Achieng Ngongo helps girls who've been raped and made pregnant, then dropped out of school and become vulnerable and needy. Most of the time, these teenage girls have no one to turn to. Elizabeth offers them support, counsel and hope.. More
Elizabeth Jerotich Kipsang has done a lot in a place where women are considered in little regard.
Elizabeth Kaima is a Sierra Leonean survivor of sexual- and gender-based violence, a social worker, and an activist working for the rights of children and women. She is the CEO and Executive Director of Wonders of Salone, a nonprofit dedicated to advocacy of those rights. She persists in her advocacy despite threats and a traditional tolerance of such violence. More
Job Titles:
- Founding Member of Occupy Africa Unity Square
Elvis Mugari is a human rights activist and founding member of Occupy Africa Unity Square (OAUS) a civic rights organization that champions democracy and good governance in Zimbabwe. He has been arrested, detained and assaulted several times by the brutal Emmerson Mnangagwa regime for leading protests against gross human rights violations but that has not stopped him from continuing his activism. More
Job Titles:
- Director of the Society for Democratic Initiatives
Emmanuel Saffa Abulai is an attorney, a newspaper publisher, and an activist. Despite personal and professional attacks from the government and some individuals, he continues to represent besieged clients, push for laws that are more just, and advocate for policies that protect disadvantaged citizens. More
Summary: Emmanuel Saffa Abulai is an attorney, a newspaper publisher, and an activist. Despite personal and professional attacks from the government and some individuals, he continues to represent besieged clients, push for laws that are more just, and advocate for policies that protect disadvantaged citizens of Sierra Leone.
Profile: Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai is a courageous human rights lawyer, the publisher of Sierra Leone's News Watch newspaper, and one of the founders of the Renaissance Movement of Sierra Leone, made up of youth who want to improve their country.
Abdulai is also the director of the Society for Democratic Initiatives (SDI), a non-partisan and not-for-profit organization that provides legal representation for activists, journalists, and political victims in Sierra Leone. Through SDI, Abdulai has helped bail out activists who have been imprisoned across the country. These activists have included journalists from the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists and representatives of the Mahlen Land Owners Association.
For years Abdulai has defended journalists, human rights activists, and the less privileged, this despite endless threats and harassment by public individuals as well as government officials. He has been robbed, his vehicle has been damaged, and his newspaper has been blacklisted because of bogus charges that it represents a "political interest."
"I have come to the rescue of many citizens who have been arrested for exercising their constitutional rights," says Abdulai. In early 2017, he was one of the leading lawyers who stood up against the unlawful arrest and detention of Theresa Mbomaya, a young woman who was arrested for posting on social media against the hike in price of petroleum products in Sierra Leone. Abdulai was slandered by his enemies as being in an inappropriate relationship with Mbomaya, even though he'd never met her. Abdulai also participated in freeing David Tam-Bayoh, a veteran journalist who'd been arrested for his criticism of the ruling government.
Abdulai's activism doesn't stop with representing clients. He has contributed to the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill of 2013, the sexual offences Act of 2013, the devolution of Estates Act, the Matrimonial Causes Bill, and the registration of customary marriages. He has also worked on the Mines and Mineral Act and has helped draft the Extractive Industry and Transparency Law; the latter is expected to come into force soon.
Currently, Abdulai is looking at the issue of "land grabbing", especially by multinational corporations in places such as Pujehun in the south and Bombali in the north. He's monitoring how people's lives are affected so he can best determine how he can help them negotiate with the corporations to ensure that their human rights are not violated.
This has not been an easy career for Abdulai. "I have been confronted with many daunting challenges in the course of my work ever since I was a student voice in Fourah Bay College," he says, "but I won't be stopped or forced to quit human rights work as it serves the freedoms and aspirations of my people."
Emmanuel Gasa is an anti-HIV/AIDS activist helping those afflicted in Zimbabwe gain access to anti-retroviral drugs and educating people and about the disease. He's been arrested by the police and harassed by citizens who don't want anyone discussing HIV/AIDS.
Emmerson Amidu Bockarie is a Sierra Leonean Afropop singer and songwriter who has become well known in his country for lyrics that promote social change and criticize government corruption. Bockarie has been intimidated in many ways, but continues to be one of Sierra Leone's most effective agents for change. More
Ephraim Mutombeni has been threatened, arrested, harassed, and beaten because of his advocacy of efficient, honest, transparent government in his hometown of Masvingo, in southeast Zimbabwe. More
Esther Waweru provides a home to Kayole's abandoned, forsaken and destitute children. She took a leap of faith to do this without even knowing where she could get the help and support she needed. More
Eunice Njeri Mathenge is a renowned gospel artist who provides sanitary towels to poor girls in Lodwar and West Pokot so they do not miss days of school. More
Attorney Fadzai Mahere has continually challenged the Zimbabwe government about malfeasance and corruption. She's been vilified and arrested, but she continues to speak out in favor of her fellow citizens' rights and in support of the disadvantaged. Being a woman in a male-dominated profession-and society-has not deterred her. More
Fatmata Claire Carlton Hanciles is a female Sierra Leonean Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Sierra Leone. Since her call to the Bar in 1998, Hanciles has devoted her career to promoting women's rights, seeking justice for victims of the war in Sierra Leone and ensuring that the poor and marginalized can access justice. It has not been without risks. More
Fatou Taqi Nee Cole fights for women's rights in Sierra Leone. Despite intimidation from both the government and individuals, she advocates for female representation in government, for the prevention of gender-based violence, for the abolition of forced early marriages, and for women's participation and leadership in communities.
Femi Claudius Cole has been an advocate for the poor and the ill in Sierra Leone. A nurse for over 20 years, she has protested against social injustice, an unfair economy, and ineffective governance. She is the only woman who has run for president in Sierra Leone, and she has been detained many times by police for her public views on the government's role in continuing what she sees as its policies of oppression oppression. More
Florence Kang'ai has a heart to give and support the needy regardless of where they come from. She is a mentor…more
Florence Makau, a 49-year-old Kenyan woman, has spent the past decade as the primary caregiver for over 100 homeless children in Machakos County. Moved by the heartbreaking sight of desperate street children, Florence transformed her small apartment into the Bondeni Children's Rescue Center, now Nuru Children's Home, using her savings to provide for their physical, emotional, and educational needs.. More
Francina Nkosi is a frontline human rights defender and a champion of gender justice and environmental rights in Lephalale, a mining community in South Africa's Limpopo province. Challenging powerful mining firms, some of them linked to top politicians, Nkosi puts her life in danger. But Nkosi soldiers on, believing that she is on earth for a purpose-to save humanity. More
Lawyer Francis Ben Kaifala has been threatened, intimidated, and otherwise verbally attacked-all for demanding that the government of Sierra Leone respect human rights and the rule of law. Since he was appointed to head Sierra Leone's "Anti-Graft Agency" in June 2018, however, Sierra Leone has dramatically reduced the incidence of corruption.
Chief Kariuki uses social media in his administrative work and for crime prevention.
Francis Warui is the OCPD for Kobujoi in Nandi South. He has been of great help to the people of Nandi South by…more
Freeblessing Murahwa is a trained dentist who provides free health care to citizens in rural areas of Zimbabwe. He forgoes a more comfortable urban practice to travel to remote malaria-infested areas to provide dental services that his patients can't otherwise afford.
General Alfred Mzondeki Moyo started his struggle for human rights in South Africa with the fight against apartheid and his activism has never stopped. Today, as Covid-19 spreads, Moyo challenges the government to address the accompanying poverty, hunger, and starvation in working class communities, For his efforts, Moyo has suffered a series of assassination attempts.
Geoffrey Kinuthia Chege is 22 years old and at that tender age, he is already a very passionate young…more
George Goliath is a Giraffe Hero for facing down threats and attempted assaults from police for his tough criticisms of government failures to improve Zimbabwe's dangerous roads and enforce traffic laws.
George Makoni is a human rights activist and community builder who has been arrested and jailed several times because of his defense of citizens' rights in Zimbabwe. His nonpartisan organization has been a leading voice in promoting transparency in public offices and in enlightening rural communities on their rights and in providing voter information. More
Georgia McTaggart, of Cape Town, founded Help Up to protect the environment and create economic opportunities for the poor. Through Help Up, McTaggart organizes clean ups in and around Cape Town, removing unwanted plastic waste that pollutes the environment. McTaggart and her team face risks of falls on slippery river banks and of contracting water-borne illnesses. More
Job Titles:
- National Coordinator for the Women 's Network for Environmental Sustainability
Gertrude Gbessay Karimu is the National Coordinator for the Women's Network for Environmental Sustainability (WONES), an organisation that promotes the welfare of women and girls in Sierra Leone. She encounters continual opposition from male political leaders, but she is determined to empower women and girls, particularly in regard to environmental and land issues. More
Gibril Gottor is a Sierra Leone journalist who has continually suffered slander, threats, and arrests, as well as assaults so brutal that he has had to be hospitalized at least twice. Gottor contributes reports on the radio and in print, focusing on government corruption and military malfeasance. More
In Zimbabwe, where the government controls the airwaves, Gift Mambipiri challenges the status quo by putting radio stations on the air and by organizing campaigns for more access to information. His events have been raided by police-and worse.
For Grace Chirenje, it's not easy being an activist-especially when you're a woman. Especially when you're focusing on empowering people who have never before been empowered.
In 1987, Grace Kibuku embarked on helping glue sniffing street children. She quitted her college studies to…more
Starting out as a vendor at a Freetown street market, Haja Marie Bob Kandeh soon became Secretary of the Market Committee, helping women negotiate both business and family issues. She co-founded the Sierra Leone Market Women Association and since then has become a champion for women's rights. Because of her activism against forced marriages and domestic violence, Kandeh continually risks being attacked by men who oppose such views. More
Hannah Foullah is a Sierra Leonean broadcaster whose sacrifice for her country has put her in harm's way countless times. Nevertheless, she's never given up taking risks to benefit her fellow citizens, including broadcasting accurate bulletins from a "pirate" radio station during Sierra Leone's brutal civil war.
Hannah Yambasu has helped thousands of Sierra Leonean women in need-women who are victims of violence and other forms of abuse, women who are underprivileged, and women who need counseling, education, access to the courts, or escape from childhood marriages. Through her organization, Women Against Violence and Exploitation Society (WAVES), Yambasu is there for them. More
32 year-old Hardlife Mudzingwa has been a leading advocate for the provision of safe, clean water to the citizens of Harare. Challenging the government on this issue hasn't been easy.
Businessman Harinder Dhingra has filed thousands of applications and appeals under India's Right to Information Act on the behalf of India's "common citizens." He's determined to expose corruption, provide better access to education and health care, and release people who were wrongly incarcerated. Dhingra has been threatened by corrupt officials and corporate executives who don't want to be exposed. More
Harsh Mander has devoted his life, at great risk, to championing those in India who are persecuted because of their religion (Muslim), their sex (female), or their socioeconomic position ("lower caste"). He has founded non-government organizations and has led government programs, all of them dedicated to the well-being of the marginalized. Threats, arrests, and slanders have not deterred him. More
Job Titles:
- Founder and CEO of Advocacy Movement Network
Hawa Sally Samai is the founder and CEO of Advocacy Movement Network (AMNet), an NGO in Sierra Leone that promotes children's and women's issues, particularly the banning of female genital mutilation. Death threats, political opposition, and the consequences of challenging long-held traditions have not stopped her. More
Ian Erasmus was working at Sasol, a South African petrochemical corporation, when he saw a leaking valve releasing vanadium-a hazardous heavy metal waste- that was ending up in the Vaal River, affecting millions of South Africans. When Sasol ignored the problem, Erasmus reported the company to the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fishery and testified before the South African Human Rights Commission. For this, he's been bullied, harassed, and threatened. More
Ibrahim Alimammy Kamara, once forced to be a child soldier, has devoted his adult life to helping kids lead safe, healthy lives, no matter how much of his time and limited resources that demands. He uses his own scant resources to help alleviate poverty, shelter people from constant flooding, and provide education, mentoring, food, and supplies.
Ibrahim Kabineh Kawa vigorously campaigns for the rights and welfare of the Masorian people in southern Sierra Leone. He has faced raging rivers, the Ebola virus and an uncooperative government to provide them with support, advocating for them regardless of the obstacles. More
31-year-old Ibrahim Tommy has fought relentlessly to secure justice for all in his homeland of Sierra Leone by leading projects promoting accountability and rule of law. Many challenges and powerful enemies haven't deterred him. More
Imraahn Mukaddam, an entrepreneur, consumer activist, and whistleblower, uses advocacy and litigation to fight dishonest and greedy corporations, despite financial risks and threats. Mukaddam believes in business for collective good and not for individual profit. His challenging of corporations has come at a cost. He lost his first job, and his business suffered a heavy blow. He's also been stalked by those who do not appreciate his activism..
Zimbabwe has not been spared challenges that other African countries have faced. Once a glorious bread basket of Africa, Zimbabwe has…more
Isaac Mbugua Kahacho mobilizies his community in Nakuru County to improve water and sanitation, education, health and nutrition, fighting HIV and AIDS and advocating for child protection.
Isaiha Mongombe Mombilo, a Congolese immigrant, stands for the rights of vulnerable members of his community through information dissemination, advocacy, and social support in South Africa. In 2012 he founded the Congolese Civil Society, an organisation that aims to facilitate the integration of Congolese immigrants into their host communities in South Africa.
Zimbabwean human rights activist Ishmael Kauzani was subjected to violence and harassment so many times, he fled to South Africa where he formed a nonprofit to fight poverty. He manages nutrition gardens, environmental campaigns, reproductive health education, support for girls and young women, and educational initiatives. Despite all his contributions, Kauzani is often told to go back to Zimbabwe; there's a lot of suspicion of immigrants in South Africa...
Ishmeal Charles was 12 when gunmen raided his village and conscripted him into the Revolutionary United Front--the Sierra Leonean Rebel group notorious for using children as soldiers and labourers. This is his story. read more
Jadav Payeng single-handedly planted trees on a sandy island near his home in Assam, India, creating a forested habitat of over a thousand square acres that now shelters hundreds of wild animals. He's been planting and watering for decades, supporting himself and his family by selling milk from his farm animals.
Jalahan Amara Jakima, from Kenema, Sierra Leone, is an anti-Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) activist helping those forcefully mutilated gain access to counseling, medication, and education. Jakima has been threatened for demanding that the practice must stop and, along with her sisters, was forcefully mutilated herself because of her advocacy. But the incidence of FGM in Sierra Leone has been cut in half and a new law now calls for consent. More
James Jemwa has been assaulted and jailed numerous times merely for reporting on peaceful demonstrations. He's one of many journalists who have been arrested and jailed for days without being charged. Jemwa continues with his work, despite the risks. More
James Musyoka has spent the last 22 years transforming his community into a hub of readership through his organization, Kenya Connect. At the risk of his own future, James has committed his energy, knowledge, and skills to empower Wamunyu village with educational programs, including reading clubs and a Community Library. His dedication has elevated literacy levels, improved communication among villagers, and enhanced academic performance in local schools. More
Youths in Zimbabwe have always been used by politicians as agents of violence during election time in Zimbabwe and many have died as a result of political fights which the police have done little to stop. Jasper Maphosa is resolved to do something about it. More
Jaya Arunachalam, a woman born into India's wealthy elite, has spent her life battling to expand economic opportunities for some of the poorest women on the planet: India's street vendors, silk weavers, washerwomen, and their many hardworking sisters. She devised a revolutionary system for micro-loans that gets money into the hands that need it most. More
Jenny Williams is one of very few women in Zimbabwe who have dared to stand up and fight for their rights, Cultures that have long discounted and suppressed women are hard to change. More
Jeremiah Bhamu is a human rights lawyer in Zimbabwe who represents activists jailed by a politically biased judicial system. Other lawyers are reluctant to do what he does because they fear persecution. Bhamu has been arrested in the past for his efforts but continues to offer legal services to those who need it. More
Jeremy Ben-Simbo campaigns to force the government to honor and implement the promises of civil rights and good government enshrined in the country's Constitution and in manifestos issued by successive governments. He has braved many threats to his safety in order to call out government officials for their lack of support for these rights, and travels the country to urge citizens to become familiar with them. .More
Hon. Jessie Fungayi Majome has not only fought and overcome gender stereotypes in Zimbabwean politics, she's managed to give the opposition a very strong voice in Parliament, despite the threats made against her.
UPDATE APRIL 2, 2019: Joana Mamombe, Zimbabwe's youngest Member of Parliament at age 25, is facing treason charges for attempting to overthrow the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and if convicted she faces up to 20 years in prison.
Mamombe, a former student leader during her university years was elected an opposition MP in Zimbabwe's capital during last year's general elections becoming the southern African country's youngest legislator. For the full update and the original posting, go here.
Mamombe was named Giraffe Hero years ago and has continued with her activism in fighting for justice and human rights.
Back then Mamombe felt that it was her duty as a citizen to defend other citizens' rights, and she has put her opinions into action many times. Typically, she's defiant about maintaining her participation in marches and other protests: "I'm not afraid to do that."
She was arrested in March this year while attending parliament business. Her treason charges emanate from her January press conference statement in which she urged members from her constituency to ‘dress in black' and embark in a ‘peaceful protest' over the high cost of living in Zimbabwe after government hiked the price of fuel.
Joe Pemagbi has been a fighter for social justice since 2001. As Sierra Leone Country Officer for the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) he's courageously taken up public interest campaigns, insisting on access to information, justice, and respect for human rights. His demands are not something many corrupt leaders appreciate. More
"John, your country is on fire; your people are dying. You must do something about it!" When John Bangura heard an inner voice speak those words, the hatred in this Sierra Leone refugee's heart was transformed from a need for vengeance into a mission of peace.Read his story
In the rural area of Goromonzi, Zimbabwe, John Manyana and his Simukai Residents Trust fight to help farmers regain their land after it's been seized by developers wanting to convert farms to urban structures.
John Ngare funds, manages and teaches in a school he created so that local children can attend pre-unit and lower primary classes that would otherwise be unavailable to them. More
Job Titles:
- Outspoken Sierra Leonean Journalist
Outspoken Sierra Leonean journalist Jonathan Leigh continually risks arrest and imprisonment by the government as a result of his editorials. In 2013-2014, he and a colleague spent a year in confinement because of an editorial questioning the integrity of President Koroma. Leigh continues to challenge the government. More
Joseph Kaifala (Sierra Leone) has received the inaugural Projects for Peace Alumni Award. The newly created award is given in support of the ongoing peace-building efforts of a past Projects for Peace recipient who demonstrates innovation and persistence in working for peace and transforming conflict. Joseph received a Projects for Peace Award in 2007 when he was a student at Skidmore College which he used to build a library in Sierra Leone. He is the Founder and Principal of the Center for Memory and Reparations - facilitating remembrance and collective narratives around the Sierra Leonean civil war.
Joseph Ben Kaifala is an author, lawyer, human rights activist, and founder of the Jeneba Project, providing quality education for underprivileged girls in Sierra Leone and neighboring countries. Kaifala suffers physical threats and financial challenges as a result of his advocacy. Many governments and individuals do not recognize the worth of females, and Kaifala struggles to make positive changes.
Joseph Sannoh has long advocated for students' rights, including access to quality education, enhancing learning conditions, and campaigning for the reduction of tuition fees. Some of Sannoh's crusades have exposed government corruption in the education sector, and as a result he has been threatened, physically assaulted, and evicted from his home. More
Joyce Malebo, a South African senior citizen and women's rights activist, organises protests, referrals, and workshops to empower victims of gender-based violence in Gugulethu, South Africa. During protests, the police harass and mock her. But Malebo maintains that none of that will weaken her, adding that neither force nor age will stop her from fighting for the rights of women abused and without shelter.
Job Titles:
- Judge of the Court of Appeal in Sierra Leone
Justice Miatta Maria Samba is a judge of the Court of Appeal in Sierra Leone. She is a strong crusader for human rights and gender equality, and an equally strong crusader against corruption. Because of her efforts, Samba has faced many threats, but has never allowed any extraneous factors to influence her judgment. In 2020, she was nominated by Sierra Leone to be a judge on the International Criminal Court (ICC) for 2021-2030. More
Justice Momoh-Jah Stevens has been a foe of gender-based violence and a diehard supporter of human rights, justice, and democracy for decades. Even in the midst of intense politicization in Sierra Leone's justice system, and even after threats to his life, Stevens continues to fight for the rule of law. He has risen in the judicial ranks from Magistrate to High Court Judge to Justice of the Appeals Court. More
Justina Conteh leads an NGO that provides care and assistance to children-mostly girls-who are homeless because of, e.g., disease, sexual abuse, or abandonment. SGF provides these children with counseling, medical and legal assistance, education, and a safe place to live. Conteh is continually sexually harassed herself and has to fight traditional norms that oppress females. More
When Kimberly Mutandiro, a Zimbabwean immigrant and journalist, arrived in South Africa in 2008, she realised that the voices of refugees and immigrants were mostly silenced by the mainline media. Since then, she has written dozens of articles exposing discriminatory practices by government officials against immigrants and xenophobic violence by local anti-immigrant groups. For that, she has endured hate and threats from extremist groups. More
Kiran Martin, a pediatrician, was commended as a Giraffe Hero for focusing her work on the poor of Delhi despite overwhelming obstacles. Now, as India has gone into pandemic lockdown, there are millions of day workers without income for food or shelter. For them, physical distancing and adequate sanitation are impossible. Dr. Martin and her teams of "Corona Warriors" are everywhere, providing funds, food, and medicines. Full story here
When she was a young pediatrician, Kiran Martin set up a free clinic in a Delhi slum where cholera was raging. The experience led her into decades of serving the city's poor and to teaching others around the world how to do such work well. More
Attorney Kirsten Youens, an environmental and animal rights advocate, fights the harmful coastal oil, gas, and coal-mining activities of corporates in KwaZulu-Natal and elsewhere. In 2014, she formed All Rise, a nonprofit law clinic that promotes the dignity of people and preservation of the environment through litigation, advocacy, and training. She has been threatened and even seen allies killed. More
Kuchera Masimba, born with a visual impairment, in high school began his life's work as an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. In one famous case, Masimba fought and won a court case against the government so that blind people could vote without government interference. more
Kudakwashe Makanda is a human rights activist, environmentalist and member of a non-partisan organization promoting transparent, equitable and sustainable mining of black granite, a valuable building material found in abundance in Mutoko. He's been arrested several times while leading campaigns against destructive mining practices. That has not deterred him. More
Kudakwashe Zireva campaigns for mining in Zimbabwe that doesn't damage the land, impoverish the people, or provide an unsafe and unhealthy environment for citizens. Village heads and governmental agents have harassed him for his activism, but he doesn't quit. More
Kudzai Kadzere is an attorney in Zimbabwe who typically represents clients who have been arrested and detained for protesting economic and political conditions. Kadzere advocates for these citizens' rights, regularly bails them out of prison, and often faces threats of beatings from local police. More
Kumbulani Zamuchiya is an award-winning Zimbabwean film-maker focusing on civil rights abuses. His documentary, "Voices from a Tent," told the story of how villagers were evicted from their homes without compensation after a dam broke. Another film profiled Itai Dzamara, an activist kidnapped by suspected state security agents.
Lara Taylor-Pearce is the current Auditor General of Sierra Leone and has more than 29 years of experience in public and private financial and administrative management. She has won many awards for helping change Sierra Leone's public-sector accountability landscape, and she has battled government officials who have attacked her for telling the truth about various audits over the years. More
At 16, Laxmi Agarwal was disfigured when a spurned suitor and his accomplices threw acid in her face. After seven reconstructive surgeries, she remains permanently disfigured. Rebounding from suicidal depression, Agarwal pressed charges against her attackers and got them sent to prison. She's gone on to lobby the government for more restrictions on the purchase of acid, assist other victims of similar attacks, and make the Indian public look at the horror of this all too common violence against Indian women. More
Liliane Mukidi empowers women through training, capacity building, care, and support in Cape Town's more disadvantaged areas. In 2003, she founded Umoja, a nonprofit organisation that helps integrate immigrants, provide skills for women, and alleviate poverty. When the COVID-19 virus broke out, Mukidi began raising awareness and distributing masks. Both Mukidi and her husband contracted COVID-19. Both survived. More
Linah Kiprop is a fighter and a mentor who has taken her battle, to help common and local citizens to…more
Lynette Mudehwe has been arrested several times by the police but that has not stopped her from being an active participant fighting for a new democratic Zimbabwe. More
Mabel Kabba is a young, hardworking, vibrant Sierra Leonean radio journalist, who has worked her way up in an industry biased against women. She's challenged politicians who have withheld information from her and tried to cajole or harass her.. She speaks out on behalf of poor communities and risked her life interviewing people during the Ebola crisis. More
Mabhelandile Twani is a grassroots activist who, for over two decades, has committed to fighting injustice and failed political leadership in South Africa.His work has not been easy. Twani's family has faced several threats from those against his work. Twani has also survived six assassination attempts for standing against injustice and corrupt officials.
Job Titles:
- Freelance Reporter in Sierra Leone
Mahmud Tim Kargbo is a freelance reporter in Sierra Leone who has been interrogated, arrested, and detained over a dozen times in connection with his work. His fearless reporting has exposed many injustices and corrupt practices in Sierra Leone. His efforts have also resulted in the repeal of the Criminal Libel law that had persecuted independent journalists like himself. More
Makomborero Haruzivishehas long advocated for students' rights, including enhancing learning conditions, reducing tuition, and gaining access to loans and grants. Some of his campaigns have challenged the government, and he's been beaten, arrested and imprisoned.
Malvern Mudiwa us a courageous advocate for poor rural families languishing in abject poverty ever since the government and mining companies kicked them off their lands without just compensation.
Mamaja Jalloh (aka DJ Base) is a popular radio disc jockey in Sierra Leone who's worked for years to make people aware of core issues, from protecting women from sexual assault to the misappropriation of government funds. For this, he's been threatened, harassed, and beaten up by police. More
33-year-old Mannick Connick is a pioneer in constructing biogas facilities in his home area of Chirumhanzu, slowing the cutting of wood for fuel and preserving forests.. "Trees are life and it's our duty to preserve them,"he says. more
Despite threats and assaults over 20 years, Marcella Samba Sesay continues to be a forceful voice for justice and equality for Sierra Leone's citizens, in particular its poor and female citizens. Sesay has formed coalitions and given her own time and money to ensure that Sierra Leone's government treats its citizens with respect and gives them the services they need. More
Margaret Cassell lives with sickle cell anemia, a genetic blood disorder that affects about 2% of Sierra Leoneans. She is a strong activist for protection and treatment of the disease. She's been discriminated against because of her condition as well as her advocacy; nonetheless, she continues to reach out to millions in her home country. More
Margaret Ghogha Molomo, a human rights and environmental activist, coordinates the work of the Kopano Formation Committee, a pressure group in Mokopane, Limpopo Province. Her organisation fights climate change, environmental decay, the dearth of culture and heritage, and gender injustice caused by greedy mining companies, politicians, and leaders in government. Molomo continually faces threats from powerful individuals who are against her work. More
Marian Pleasant Kargbo is a young Sierra Leonean who founded the Pleasant Children's Foundation, focusing on providing education and resources for children, especially vulnerable children whose parents cannot send them to school due to financial constraints and children who have been sexually abused, forced into early marriage or raped. Despite the hostility greeting some of her stances, Kargbo resolves to strengthen young people, particularly girls.. More
Martha Kargbo is a young Sierra Leonean journalist who defends freedom of the media and fearlessly calls on the government of Sierra Leone to meet the demands of its citizens. She risked her life reporting on the Ebola epidemic. More .
Job Titles:
- Director of the Chitungwiza Residents Trust
Marvellous Khumalo, Director of the Chitungwiza Residents Trust, leads the fight against illegal demolitions. He's been arrested and detained on several occasions whilst defending widows and orphans who've had their properties threatened.
Mary Anitha, herself a victim of tuberculosis, quit her job to devote all her time to helping disabled children in Kerala, India, despite the strain on her health and the occasional stretching of laws. She sold all her jewelry to finance the creation of a nonprofit, CEFEE-the Centre for Empowerment and Enrichment-which now helps hundreds of thousands of people throughout Kerala. More.
Mary Njeri Daniel rescues children who've been raped and assaulted, sacrificing her finances, her home and her comfort to give them a home, an education and life skills.
Maureen Kademaunga started Women for Women Zimbabwe, helping women all across Zimbabwe gain the materials to register to vote, run for office, and stand up for policies that benefit women. Her events have sometimes been thwarted by police, and she's been harassed
Mbizvo Chirasha is a poet, and of his poetry illustrates how the Zimbabwe government is oppressing its people. Chirasha has been arrested several times, but he remains an activist that continues to challenge the Mugabe regime.
When the "diamond rush" struck the impoverished populace in 2006, thousands of poor Zimbabweans flocked to the Marange district…more
Melita Ngcobo fights against local South African governments that are essentially destroying poor neighborhoods in what is called "reblocking." In some cases, already poor people, without notice, see their homes-often shacks-demolished and are forced to live in thoroughly unsafe areas. For her efforts, Ngcobo has been attacked, wounded, and jailed. . More
Melron Nicol-Wilson, a Sierra Leone attorney, represents people who cannot afford legal counsel. Despite threats to his career and even his life, Nicol-Wilson has remained true to his cause. Many of the causes for which he's been a staunch advocate in Sierra Leone have been taken up by the majority.
Sierra Leonean Melrose Hawa Kamara has been disabled since the age of five. Decades ago, she founded the Grafton Orphanage to take care of children who are similarly disabled. She earns a meager income from petty trading and constantly seeks financial support. She is challenged, however, by political and cultural biases against the disabled. Hawa Kamara was also physically threatened when she attempted to acquire land for a school serving the disabled. More
Merlin Ekwanza Mosoko uses sports to build social cohesion in the Cape Flats, a region in northern Cape Town rocked by violence, division and teen pregnancies. He starts basketball teams targeting young people to keep them away from drugs and gang violence, to teach life skills and to keep kids in school-promoting a better future.
As a former student leader at the University of Zimbabwe,33 year old Mfundo Mlilo has been an active campaigner for human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe.
Michael Sambola is a Sierra Leonean investigative journalist and media personality whose fearless reporting exposes corrupt practices in Sierra Leone-work that has had a huge impact in the country. Sambola epitomizes objective and credible journalism, and represents the true voice of the voiceless. More
Michel Hatungimana is a kind man-and a warrior. He has helped over 150 refugees from his native Burundi with food, and accommodation. He risks his safety to rescue hijacked Burundian commercial drivers. Recently he's taken on the dangerous role of peacemaker during the upsurge in violence against immigrants in South Africa. More
When Mildred Muzanechita discovered massive corruption in the allocation of residential housing rights in Manicaland Province, she resolved to do something about it, despite the risks.
Despite paying their monthly water bills, the residents of Chegutu, Zimbabwe, have gone for years with inadequate supplies of clean water, resulting in outbreaks of cholera and other diseases. Misheck Kazembe set up a nonprofit organization to challenge the local governing Council to deliver the water. He is not stopped by threats by the local police. More
Regardless of threats and risks of violence, Mohamed Kelfala Sesay has fought for citizens' rights, freedom of expression, and unfettered media. An albino, Sesay has been discriminated against throughout his life, including being threatened by residents of a local community for carrying out his work as a local journalist. His current fight is for the right to report freely on the welfare and well-being of persons living with albinism. More
Mohamed Lyrics Bangura is a journalist, sports broadcaster, and activist from Sierra Leone who has been vocal in exposing sports corruption and land grabbing in the Western Area of Sierra Leone. Despite being arrested multiple times by the police and threatened with prosecution, Bangura has remained firm and resolute; his efforts have resulted in helping victimized communities understand the technicalities involved in acquiring land.
Mohamed Kamara, a citizen activist, continually fights for the rights of people in Sierra Leone, even though his efforts have made him many enemies. He has publicly charged government officials of corruption and called on Sierra Leone's present government to institute policies that would eliminate it. Kamara campaigns vigorously against alcoholism and drug abuse, particularly as they impact young people. For his efforts, he has been criticized and even imprisoned. More.
Mohamed Osman Kamara, an albino living in Sierra Leone, fights to free albinos from discrimination and exclusion. His organization also teaches people about albinism and provides prevention and treatment to albinos threatened with skin cancer. Kamara has faced constant antagonism from those who see albinos as cursed, who do not believe in helping them, and in fact who do everything they can to isolate and threaten them. More
Mohamed S. Bah is the founder and Executive Director of Healthcare for the Aged, a charitable organisation that looks after homeless, aged Sierra Leoneans who are suffering from visual impairment or life-threatening diseases with little or no support from any source, be it government or private individuals or groups. Bah risks his physical, financial and emotional life to care for the elderly. More
When COVID 19 hit South Africa, Mondeka Mabibini put herself in the frontlines, raising awareness and providing food and protective clothing to those in need. . She's launched other projects, including a reading club and an organization to supply shoes to poor students walking miles to school without them. ‘I have a passion for community work,' says Mabibini, ‘especially with regards to children and youth.'
Mujahid George, a singer and actor, uses entertainment and social media to spread hope, love, and prayers for vulnerable members of his community. Through partnerships with nonprofit organisations and others, George supports orphans, the sick, the elderly, and flood victims. He risks short-changing his family commitments-and he gets threats from some fellow Muslims who think he should focus his charity on his co-religionists. More
Murtala Kamara is a journalist, entrepreneur and rights activist. He founded Salone Jamboree in 2009, the first Sierra Leone-owned online newspaper showcasing Sierra Leonean arts, entertainment, and social justice. Despite death threats, Kamara leads efforts toward social cohesion, fighting poverty and corruption, and rehabilitating women in prison. More
Musa Ansumana Soko has devoted his life to managing programs that seek to address the issues of social accountability, post-conflict peacebuilding, education, health, and most importantly, access to improved drinking water and sanitation services. He founded and manages the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Network of Sierra Leone (WASH-NETSL). He has faced threats and attacks, including an inferno that engulfed his home in 2023. More
Myness Musaamba was an ordinary housewife before here community was displaced from Marange in 2010 to pave the way for diamond mining activities. She was one of the few who have dared to stick their neck and speak out against the injustice.
Mzwakhe Mzamo Vilane is a young activist who advocates for sexual reproductive health and comprehensive sexuality education among high-school students in Atteridgeville, a poor neighbourhood southwest of Pretoria, South Africa. Vilane uses his own resources to help under-resourced families and he has challenged the local clinic about its discriminatory practices. Some key public officials are not happy with his advocacy.
Naomi Betana, a gender-justice activist, fights patriarchy, injustice, and austerity through organising, petitioning, and managing empowerment initiatives in Witzenberg, South Africa. As a single mother, Betana sacrifices her time and energy to contribute to the welfare of others. She's determined to continue her efforts because she believes that it is human to stand for the oppressed.
Nasper Manyau is a Senator and human rights activist in Zimbabwe who has been highly active in fighting for the support of People Living with Disabilities. She has been detained and jailed by the police whilst conducting her duties as a human rights defender, but that hasn't stopped her from carrying out her tireless commitment toward fighting for the rights of the disabled. More
Neliswa Dludla, a trained Maths teacher, turned down a formal teaching job, opting instead to develop the literacy and numeracy skills of young learners in her poor community to prepare them for a successful career and to keep them out of drugs and crime. She faces risks, including from criminals and gangs.
Neneh Rugiatu Turay Koroma is a Sierra Leonean women's rights activist who speaks out against female genital mutilation (FGM). She is the founder of the Amazonian Initiative Movement, an organization that fights FGM as well as addressing issues such as rape, child marriage, and teenage pregnancy. Despite harassment from the government and numerous death threats, Koroma continues supporting the education and empowerment of women. More
Newman Anthony Levey is a local journalist based in Bo, southern Sierra Leone. He has reported on issues of alleged ritual killings, corruption, and human rights abuses in Sierra Leone. Levey is a fearless reporter who succeeds despite the challenges; he has been threatened and verbally attacked, but he continues to risk his physical, financial, and emotional well-being to speak up. More
Youth in Sierra Leone have often been used as an instrument of violence by politicians during elections. Many young people have been killed, and the police have done little to stop the incidents. Ngolo Katta fights to end this practice. He's been threatened with arrest but is determined to effect change in the upcoming 2018 elections. More
Justice Nicholas Browne Marke has been recently appointed to serve as Acting Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone. His appointment was based on his continued ability to dispense justice without fear of favour and to always maintain fairness. The appointment was greeted with public endorsement because of his reputation and his commitment to do what is just, all of which emboldens his identity as a Giraffe Hero.
Recently, Justice Browne Marke has been assigning or transferring judges to districts based on their competence, performance, and integrity. His actions have been seen by many as one of the contributing factors toward effective justice delivery in Sierra Leone. He also sits as the Chairman of the General Legal Council, the highest decision body responsible for legal service in the country. He continues to advocate for the less privileged to benefit from effective legal education.
Nicholas Browne-Marke is a fearless, dedicated, and politically non-aligned Justice of the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone. He has been subject to many threats while addressing politically sensitive cases and rendering unbiased judgments. He has also been a strong advocate for human rights. More
Chief Nicholas Wambua is a fearless warrior in the battle against corruption in Kenya. In a country where confronting corruption is often likened to signing a death warrant, Chief Nicholas stands as a beacon of courage and unwavering determination. More
Gender activist Nicky Spencer-Coker fights for the rights of women and girls in Sierra Leone. Spencer-Coker, a practicing barrister and solicitor of the High Court of Sierra Leone, currently serves as General Secretary of the General Legal Council, responsible for the regulation of the legal profession in Sierra Leone. Spencer-Coker faces many challenges but she persists in pushing for the education and justice of marginalized people in her community. More
Human rights activist Nixon Nyikadzino has had several brushes with law in Zimbabwe whilst defending citizens rights, but that has not deterred him from carrying out his duty.
Job Titles:
- Director, Bridges of Peace Initiatives ( BPI ) and Giraffe Heroes Kenya
Nkhosikhona Dibiti is a journalist and human rights activist from Matabeleland who has been instrumental in conducting a vigorous voter registration campaign in the remotest part of the province. Despite the threat of persecution from the authorities, Dibiti's brave work has resulted in marginalized communities accessing vital voter awareness information.
Nkosikhona Swartbooi is a fearless campaigner for justice and equality in South Africa. An experienced activist and strategist, he's campaigned for safe and decent housing for all, protested unlawful evictions, exposed corruption in South Africa's rail agency, and raised awareness about the COVID-19 pandemic. He's been arrested, threatened, and attacked; today he lives in a safe house away from his family.
The threat of violence has not deterred 28 year old Nkosinathi Moyo from being an active political activist who integrates and educate young people in democracy and good governance issues in his hometown of Kwekwe. more
Nyaradzo Mashayamombe has been a leading campaigner fighting for the rights of girls in Zimbabwe, particularly in rural areas where cases of child marriage are rampant as well as incest relationships. more
Nyasha Sengayi works throughout Zimbabwe to advocate for the rights of women and girls. Despite continual threats to her life, she travels to remote areas and educates citizens about abuse and the remedies for abuse.
Obert Chinhamo is one of the founders of the Anti-Corruption Trust of Southern Africa, which is one of the leading campaigners against corruption and bad governance. As a result to his work, Mr. Chinhamo has been under constant surveillance by those threatened by his work. more
Olerilwe Peter Moshosho, a local human rights defender, challenges the persecution of foreign nationals in South Africa. In 2021, at the height of xenophobic attacks, Moshosho helped form "Africa Simunye", a social movement that helps foreign nationals who have been illegally evicted, received ill treatment or prevented from accessing basic social services. Despite facing threats from anti-immigrant groups, Moshosho soldiers on
Oswald Kucherera, an activist in South Africa, fights for justice half a world away. In his quest for a just world, he leads the Free West Papua Solidarity Campaign, the only such project in Africa, raising awareness of the West Papuan genocide and the demand of the people there for freedom and independence from Indonesia. He continues on despite financial challenges and threats. More
Pa Momo Fofanah has spent decades defending the rights of Sierra Leone citizens, particularly children-and particularly children who in the past were forced into the military; because of his efforts, the recruitment of child soldiers was eventually considered a war crime. He's been threatened with injury and death many times
Despite risks of threats and violence, young photo-journalist Panashe Makufa has employed many tactics in his fight for consumers rights, freedom of expression and journalistic freedoms-from staging one-many demonstrations to court challenges to police actions against the media. His current fight is for the right to report freely on the Covid-19 outbreak in his country.
Pastor Patrick Mugadza was arrested for demonstrating for human rights and democracy in front of President Robert Mugabe. His sign read simply: "Mr President, the people are suffering." More
Patrick Owino Barasa empowers and enlightens citizens to become active participants in helping shape government policies that impact their lives. His efforts are not always a smooth sail. More
As a member of the police force, Chief Inspector Peninah Kamicha knows what a loaded firearm is and especially what it can do in the wrong hands.
Catholic Priest Peter Konteh risked his life to care for his fellow citizens of Sierra Leone when the Ebola virus devastated the country in 2014. Konteh has also worked to halt the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) and to build schools and educate the impoverished youth of Sierra Leone. More
Peter Monethe challenges oppressive labour practices, and engages in community struggles for land and decent housing in South Africa. He organises protests, community gardens, festivals of the oppressed, soup kitchens, political education classes, environmental health campaigns and social audits on water and sanitation. At one point Monethe was shot at by an unknown gunman, an incident he suspects was linked to his activism.
Despite being fired from the Entertainment Board and physically attacked over the years, Sierra Leonean broadcaster and journalist Phebean Swill has continued her fight for citizens' rights, freedom of expression, and journalistic integrity. Her current battle is against the increase in the price of petroleum products and the right to report freely on Sierra Leone's June 2023 elections.
Philemon Jambaya is a young Zimbabwean journalist who defends freedom of the media. For his efforts, along with fellow journalists, he's been beaten up by police. Jambaya started the Young Journalists Organisation advocating for journalists' rights and he's not about to quit.
He's been labelled an "agent of imperialism" by illegal mining syndicates and some village headmen in their pay, but that has not broken the spirit of young leader Phillip Muyengwa, More
South African Phoebe Faith Mahlokwane, a young pastor, fights drug abuse among young people in Elandskraal, Limpopo Province. Through her nonprofit company, she carries out anti-drug campaigns and rehabilitation of drug addicts.. The programme, which is largely self-funded, faces threats from drug lords, who demand that Mahlokwane quit her anti-drug campaigns and rehabilitation activities.
Princess Mthombeni, a nuclear energy advocate, provides high-level strategic support to the South Africa government in leading, executing, and ensuring the success of nuclear communication strategies. In 2021, she founded Africa4Nuclear, an advocacy campaign that promotes nuclear energy as a key contributor toward achieving Africa's Agenda for Sustainable Development. She often sacrifices her own resources to raise awareness, and she has faced isolation and threats for her stands on global energy politics. More
Journalist Princetta Williams has reported firsthand on issues ranging from the Ebola virus, to mudslide disasters to sensitive political issues that have brought her threats and harassment . She continues to provide a platform of accurate and unbiased information. More
Indian journalist Priya Ramani was sexually harassed during a job interview, but didn't say anything about it until she wrote a magazine article almost 25 years after the incident, without naming her assailant. The following year, during the #MeToo movement, she let everyone know the person's name: then-Minister of State for External Affairs, a former journalist. Other women soon made similar charges against him; he sued Ramani for defamation. If he won, she could have gone to prison for two years. After a long court battle, her refusal to settle, and a storm of social criticism aimed at her, Ramani was acquitted. More
Promise Mkwananzi is a human rights defender and currently Director of the Zimbabwe Informal Sector Organisation (ZISO) a nonpartisan body that promotes and safeguards the interests of the millions of Zimbabweans who work in the so-called "informal" sector of the country's economy, more
Qaba Mbola, a social justice activist and an Ashoka Fellow, sticks his neck out to lead efforts towards poverty alleviation, social cohesion, combating crime and drug abuse in South Africa, especially through his Ujamaa community project in Khayelitsha, an informal settlement South East of Cape Town.
Attorney Rashid Dumbuya works tirelessly on public interest litigations, including corruption and accountability issues; women's, juveniles', and prisoners' rights; and press freedoms. Now he's pushing his government to improve its responses to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result of his outspoken advocacies, Dumbuya lost his job at the country's Human Rights Commission and he's suffered invective and death threats on social media. More
Job Titles:
- Freelance Investigative Journalist
Veteran freelance investigative journalist Raymond Joseph has published over 50 articles as part of an ongoing anti-corruption investigation unearthing massive graft by the South African Lotteries Commission (NLC) . Besides the financial and time constraints, Joseph has been threatened, defamed, and is facing lawsuits, as well as being harassed and threatened in Parliament. More
Reginald Cole is a young Sierra Leonean doctor and a Major in the Sierra Leone Armed Forces. Despite constantly risking his life in the face of infectious diseases and the poor health conditions of his country, he has continued to contribute to the health of his fellow citizens and set an example for his fellow doctors. More
Robert Watene Njenga has been a fighter for social justice since 2006. He's courageously taken up public interest campaigns. These are rights within the new Constitution-but demanding them is not something that many corrupt leaders appreciate.
Robinson Sesay gave up a lucrative career in the U.S. to return to his poverty-stricken home town in Sierra Leone to empower young people to become responsible citizens. He's been insulted, threatened, and attacked. Nonetheless, he's helped hundreds of young people make a difference in their communities.
Robson Chere, a teacher and trade unionist in Zimbabwe has been arrested several times by the police for calling on the government to pay rural teachers a decent salary and improve their working conditions. "I will not just stand and watch myself and my comrades dying from man-made poverty," he says, but I choose to speak out." More
Roegchanda Pascoe fights crime and gangsterism in Manenburg, a community rocked by poverty and violence about 20 km southeast of Cape Town. She helped found the Manenberg Safety Forum, an organisation that seeks to combat gender-based violence and gangsterism. Pascoe soldiers on, despite risks to the safety of herself and her family and lack of funding.
Roseline Mansaray is a young climate and environmental activist in Sierra Leone who mobilizes young people to fight for action on climate change. In 2020 Mansaray founded Fridays for Future Sierra Leone, whose goal is to raise attention to the crisis and influence policies that counter it. Despite on-line harassment, scarce resources, and reluctance of the government to act, Mansaray vows to continue campaigning. More
Ruby Sampson is a young environmental activist who inspires young people in South Africa and elsewhere to make their voices heard in order to stem climate catastrophe.Sampson has experienced cyber-bullying and death threats from those whose interests were threatened by her work. More
Rumbidzai Dube is a brave attorney attempting to help all citizens of Zimbabwe understand their constitutional rights. This does not please all those in power. More.
Starting at age 15, Rushda Booley sacrifices her personal savings and time to inspire and mobilize young people to giving back to the community. As Director of Charity Week, she leads a group of volunteers in raising funding to support humanitarian efforts and emergencies in South Africa and the world. More
Ruvimbo Tsopodzi , a 20-year-old girl, risked rejection and disgrace when, as a child bride, she fled her abusive husband and sued for her freedom.
Youth activist Saba Zahara (Honeybush) organizes events in community halls, libraries, museums, studios, and schools in order to expose injustice against the poor, women, children, indigenous communities and the environment-at the same time warning young people against violence, substance abuse, and xenophobia. As she navigates this terrain, she finds herself stepping on the feet of very powerful forces, but she refuses to be silenced.
Sahr Kendema is a Sierra Leone activist who has for years led efforts toward poverty alleviation, good governance, security, nonviolence, social cohesion, and the end of money laundering. From his first days as a student activist at the University of Sierra Leone, Kendema has been maligned and attacked, but he persists in his activism.
Sallieu Tejan Jalloh is an investigative journalist and publisher for Sierra Leone's Times newspaper. He has faced many hurdles and continually fears for his safety after exposing ritual murders, corruption, and many other wrongful acts in Sierra Leone. Threats notwithstanding, he strongly believes that he should bring these issues to the attention of the public. More
Regardless of her rural upbringing and background, 35 year Old Sally Dura has risen to the position of National Coordinator of the Women Coalition of Zimbabwe (WiCoz), an organization that champions the rights of women in the country. more
In 1992, Sierra Leone journalist Sammy Haffner was captured and jailed for a month during a government coup. Undaunted, upon his release, he helped form a huge network of radio stations in Southern Sierra Leone, exposing false news, campaigning for free speech, and standing up for his fellow journalists. Haffner has received nine death threats and even once had to escape to neighboring Guinea after a second military coup.. More
Samuel Wadzanai (36), a street vendor in Harare, has been arrested and detained by the police whilst fighting for the rights of vendors being harassed in the city. more
Sarian Karim Kamara is an activist for women's rights who works very closely with communities to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone and in her current home in the United Kingdom. In 2017, she founded Keep the Drums Lose the Knife (KDLK) to help coordinate efforts to address FGM in Sierra Leone, the UK, and elsewhere. Over the last few years, despite attacks, Kamara has educated hundreds of women on their rights. More
Retired Anglican Bishop Sebstian Bakare, born in 1940, is an iconic figure in Zimbabwe whose work in the church and society has one connecting thread - quest for social justice and equality . Bishop Bakare has lived his entire life fighting for human rights, freedom and dignity for his people. more
Job Titles:
- Community Health Officer in Sierra Leone
Seibatu Kemoh Allieu is a surgical community health officer in Sierra Leone. Early on, she was frustrated with maternal deaths arising from obstetric complications that could have been prevented with better resources, improved knowledge, and more skills. Despite Ebola and now COVID-and despite the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry-Allieu got the surgical training she needed and continues to save the lives and improve the health of her fellow Sierra Leoneans. More
Serge Ndnyegamiya, a refugee labour rights activist from Burundi, fights for the rights of refugees and immigrant workers. A victim of xenophobic violence himself, Ndnyegamiya challenges farm and company bosses for unfair labour practices as well as the police and labour officials for discrimination.. Ndnyegamiya's work is often threatened, and he is continually exposed to risk.
Dr. Shaheda Bibi Omar, a social justice activist, is the Clinical Director of the Teddy Bear Foundation, an organisation that works to prevent and minimize the devastating effects of abuse on children and their families. Omar's journey has not been easy, from facing sexual harassment and exclusion from the mainstream education system to workplace harassment for challenging patriarchy and racism. More
Thinking more of others than yourself sometimes takes courage, especially if you're a young woman and you're continually at risk for getting arrested. More
Sheila Chisirimunhu is a teacher and human rights activist who fights for the rights of teachers in Zimbabwe. As a member of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Association of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), Chisirimunhu has been assaulted, arrested, and jailed for demanding better living conditions for teachers in the country. Despite her persecution, she remains resolute in her quest for a democratic society in Zimbabwe. More
Siaka Sama is a strong voice for farmers in southern Sierra Leone who for decades have been fighting the appropriation of their lands without adequate compensation by corporations eager to make a buck from lucrative export crops. When Sama and others protest, they are typically arrested and thrown in jail. See updated story: : More
Sinegugu Zukulu fights environmental crimes by big mining and construction companies through litigating, documenting, and raising awareness. As Programmes Manager for Sustaining the Wild Coast, he works to amplify the voice of indigenous communities in Eastern Mpondoland and to protect that environment from destruction. Zukulu narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by supporters of the mining companies he opposed.
Harare; A small garage in the high density suburb of Kuwadzana, has been turned by a passionate and loving heart into a center of hope for the mentally challenged children aged between six and nineteen.. more
SisterLucy Kurien's stands up to all those who would not like to make public the very real problems of domestic violence and human trafficking prevalent in India, providing shelters to victims and rescuing abandoned women and kids.
Sister Rahab Nyaguthii has a hard life. She doesn't have much money, and she's compelled to farm and engage in other hard labor in order to do what she wants to do. More
:Solomon Bangura is a young Sierra Leonean activist against violence, focusing on schools, gangs, and the dangers toward girls. Because of his advocacy, he has been threatened numerous times, especially by gangs. But he continues lobbying gangs, fostering school campaigns, speaking on the radio and before groups, and writing. More
Songezo Mazizi has continually fought for justice, particularly students' rights. As a student at the University of the Western Cape, he led the Fees Must Fall campaign, which .successfully advocated for more government funding of schools and students. As a result of his activism, Mazizi was suspended from university, arrested and beaten by police. He continues to be a force for justice.
Job Titles:
- Sierra Leonean Journalist
Sorious Samura, a Sierra Leonean journalist, risked his life to film on the front lines during his country's long and brutal civil war. His self-funded "Cry Freetown" depicts the most brutal period of that war when Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels attacked the capital city in January 1999. More
Stabile Dewa, a vibrant Zimbabwe democracy and women rights activist is one of the seven people recently charged with treason in the southern African country. She was arrested in May returning from a democracy workshop in the Maldives and spent days in prison before she was released on a $1000 bail pending trial. More
Stacey Fru, a young children's rights activist, fights child labour and illiteracy in South Africa and beyond. Through writing and public speaking, she has reached out to young people as well as adults across Africa on how to stay positive and safe in a world characterised by child labour and child trafficking. In 2016, and at only nine years old, Fru formed the Stacey Fru Foundation, an organisation that promotes education, safety, and security in South Africa and beyond. More
Zimbabwe has been rocked by a series of strikes and protests as citizens pressure President Mugabe's government to provide employment as well as food to millions of citizens who are suffering. Stan Zvorwadza is a key leader of these brave fights. More
Stephen Ogutu was born with a disability that put him on crutches, but that hasn't stopped him from helping others. In fact, if anything, it has spurred him on to helping others-those who desperately need help. More
The aim of India's Right to Information Act is to empower citizens, promote transparency and accountability and make democracy work for the people. But the Act only works when citizens make it work. Subhash Chandra Agrawal shows them how. More
Sunitha Krishnan is tiny in physical stature, but she stands tall for the victims of sex trafficking. The non-profit organization she cofounded, Prajwala, has rescued more than 3,000 women and children from sexual slavery in central India. A rape victim herself, Krishnan has been beaten dozens of times in the course of her rescue work. More
Artist Tafadzwa Muzondo transformed an old, dirty foot bridge into a scintillating arts center and educational site for the town of Highfield's troubled youth. Though one of Muzondo's controversial plays was banned by the government, and two others shut down, he continues undeterred. More
Job Titles:
- President of the Zimbabwe National Students Union
Takudzwa Ngadziore is a human rights activist and President of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU). He has been imprisoned and beaten up by the police on numerous occasions for standing up for the rights of students in Zimbabwe's institutions. At 21, Ngadziore continues to risk persecution and even death at the hands of state security agents who are swift to descend on democratic voices that fight for change in the country.
Tapiwa Marunge, an albino living in Zimbabwe, founded Albino Alive in order to educate people about albinism and to help albinos who have traditionally been persecuted because of their condition. Marunge herself has faced hostility from people who see albinos as cursed, More
Tawanda Chimhini vows to continue fighting for full citizen participation in free and fair elections in Zimbabwe, despite government harassment of his efforts.
23 year-old Tererai Obey Sithole has been arrested and detained by police several times for advocating for students rights at one of the country's major learning institutions.That has not deterred him. More
Thabiso Zulu, an anti-corruption campaigner and whistle blower, is passionate about serving the poor and the vulnerable. Zulu has exposed massive corruption, the looting of municipality resources, poor service delivery, police brutality, and politically motivated killings of activists by politicians in KwaZulu Natal. As a result, Zulu has been arrested, tortured, had those close to him killed, More
Thamsaqa Hamilton Hukwe has committed his life to the struggle for the transformation of the landless, the homeless, the poor, and the working class by fearlessly challenging extractive policies of the regime in Pretoria. Hukwe organises and mobilises workers, students, and citizens to challenge policies that cause suffering. He has faced several assassination attempts and has been threatened, arrested, and tortured.
Job Titles:
- Radio Journalist in Sierra Leone
Theophilus Gbenda is a radio journalist in Sierra Leone who is continually harassed and threatened for his dedication to representing his people, regardless of the political elite's responses to his challenges. He remains a trusted source of information and advocacy in the country.
Summary: Thomas Bobby Smith gave up his nice life and marriage in the US to return home to Sierra Leone to start a nonprofit that provides hope, opportunity, sustainability and education for young people in Sierra Leone suffering from poverty and hunger in the wake of a brutal civil war and Ebola outbreak. More
Thomas Dixon is a Giraffe Hero, a Sierra Leonean investigative journalist, the Managing Editor at New Age Newspaper, and an editor with Salone Times Newspaper. On February 10, 2023, he almost lost his life. Dixon:
Journalist Thomas Dixon challenges corruption, abuses of power, and neglect of the poor by the powers-that-be. A radio and TV analyst, he fights for a free press and citizen access to information. His fearless efforts draw fire from both members of the public and government officials.
As a civil society and human rights advocate, Thomas Moore Conteh has been arrested, detained, and jailed by the Sierra Leone police for leading peaceful protests on education, police brutality, and non-payment of pensioners. Despite the arrests and threats, he continues to work with various organizations to represent disadvantaged and oppressed Sierra Leoneans. More
Thomas Okusi is a talented musician. Despite the fact that he never had an opportunity to complete his…more
Job Titles:
- Women 's Reproductive Health Specialist Nurse
Tina Davies is a Women's Reproductive Health Specialist Nurse and an advocate for women's medical services-particularly services focusing on cancers-in Sierra Leone. She has fought sexism and lack of funding to provide not only medical care but also awareness and funding for causes that affect women. More
Tinashe Nyahasha is a young man with albinism who works tirelessly to encourage, support and inform parents and guardians of children born with albinism and other special needs.
Tinei Mukweva is a courageous and dedicated human rights lawyer in Zimbabwe who has defied all odds by continuing to defend human rights defenders in the country despite brutal persecution by the police.
At a University of Zimbabwe graduation ceremony attended by the country's president, student activist Tonderai Dombo held up a placard protesting the lack of jobs. He was immediately arrested, detained overnight, fined, and-at least temporarily-denied his graduation certificate. But he won't quit.
Trevor Lane established the Bhejane Trust, a nonprofit group that protects elephants, rhinoceroses, and other large mammals in Zimbabwe parks. Lane has been threatened by poachers more than once, but he keeps helping the police imprison them. More
Tunamirai Zimonte fights to educate young people in Zimbabwe on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. Zimonte speaks and writes about this growing problem, facilitates training workshops and lobbies the government for enforcement of drug laws. He is continually threatened by drug dealers, and police are typically reluctant to take any action. Nonetheless, Zimonte perseveres. More
Umaru Fofana, a Sierra Leone journalist, covered the Ebola virus epidemic. He risked his life interviewing victims and entering areas in which the virus had spread. Despite taking precautions, each day's undertaking was harrowing. More
For years, Valnora Edwin has tackled issues in Sierra Leone such as gender rights, children's rights, HIV/AIDS, Ebola, mining, and elections. Opponents have threatened her life numerous times. but she continues to represent citizens, now as a member of Sierra Leone's Civil Registration Authority.
Vanessa Nelson, a community volunteer and activist, fights gender-based violence by raising awareness and offering support strategies, advocacy, and empowerment programmes in the Cape Flats area of South Africa. A rape survivor herself, Nelson formed Hope for the Future to give support to survivors of gender-based violence and to give hope to community members in distressed conditions. She has lost income and been threatened by criminals-and keeps going. More
Veronica Fannah grew up poor in rural Moyamba, Sierra Leone. . Now she is facing down centuries of tradition to educate girls in Sierra Leone about menstruation, to have products to deal with their periods, and to not be subjected to female genital mutilation. Fannah persists despite opposition, and even attacks, from those who want to maintain customs that subjugate girls and women. More
Job Titles:
- Founder and Executive Director of Health Alert - Sierra Leone
Victor Lansana Koroma is the founder and Executive Director of Health Alert-Sierra Leone, an organization committed to helping citizens-especially women and children-obtain access to free health care products and services. Some of Koroma's campaigns have challenged the government, and as a result, he's been verbally attacked and received death threats. More
Victoria Renner is a Sierra Leonean activist who champions the rights of vulnerable women to live successful lives free from fear, intimidation, and poverty. As a result of her advocacy, Renner has been attacked, threatened by knife-wielding traditional leaders, evicted from her work place, and seriously injured by a hit-and-run driver who tried to kill her. More
Job Titles:
- Civil Engineer in New Delhi
Vijay Saluja, a civil engineer in New Delhi, has fought for decades to end the corruption that has slowed or prevented needed infrastructure improvements in the city. He is now Director of Giraffe Heroes India. More
Wangu Kanja survived rape and a carjacking in 2002 and has since dedicated her life to promoting…more
Warship Dumba continually fights for the rights of people in Zimbabwe even though his efforts have made him many enemies and got him tossed in jail. Dumba also seeks to educate citizens about their rights under Zimbabwe's new constitution.
Welcome Witbooi, a former gang boss turned human rights defender, manages campaigns to divert young people from gangsterism, crime, and drugs in the Cape Flats and Johannesburg, South Africa. His work has not been easy: Witbooi renounced his gang membership, which has bloody consequences in the world of gangsterism. Often at risk of revenge attacks from gang leaders, Witbooi vows to continue his work, saying "There is no going back."
William Sao Lamin has consistently fought corruption and ignorance in Sierra Leone. His major effort has been to force implementation of the country's Constitution and specifically the anti-corruption recommendations of Auditor General reports.For that he's been attacked and harassed. More
Yasmin Jusu Sheriff is a Sierra Leonean human rights activist, barrister, women's rights campaigner and a radical feminist. She is one of Sierra Leone's veteran women and children's rights crusaders who has stuck her neck out for humanity over a period of 30 years. Her work has provided immense support to the recognition of women voices as a key part of the democratization process in Sierra Leone. More
South African teenager Yola Mgogwana mobilises young people to fight for environmental justice in Khayelitsha, a settlement 30 km southeast of Cape Town. Because of her work, Mgogwana has little time to play with friends or even to learn in school. Faced with these challenges as well as the constant threat of cyberbullying, Mgogwana nonetheless vows to continue spreading awareness-"until the government does the right thing".
Job Titles:
- Founder of Project Launch 263
Youngerson Matete is a youth activist and founder of Project Launch 263, a nonpartisan and youth-driven organization that seeks to mobilize young people in both urban and rural Zimbabwe and to educate them on the importance of participating in the electoral process. Matete has met with often physical resistance from both government agents and political opponents, but he continues to reach out to millions of young voters before the next election.
During and after the vicious, decade-long civil war in Sierra Leone, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr for years has helped former child soldiers, displaced women and children rebuild their lives. Then she joined the fight against Ebola. More
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr continues to fight for her people in Sierra Leone. One of her key goals has been to overhaul the city's manual taxation system. As a result of her work, she has constantly been intimidated and attacked by the police and other government officials. She was accused of corruption and proved her innocence. She has been threatened because of her position against government interference. And during the recently concluded elections, she was even shot at by the Police at the office of her opposition party, APC.
Job Titles:
- Founder and Director of Rockbridge Ministries
Zablon Kuria is the founder and director of Rockbridge Ministries. Through this great endeavor, He has been…more
Zacharia Mushawatu founded Youth Advocacy for Voter Enlightenment and Progressive Orientation-YAVEPO. The organization encourages young people not only to vote, but to stand as candidates themselves. YAVEPO is threatened with assaults by supporters of the ruling ZANU-PF Party. More
Zainab Kamara is a Giraffe Hero for sticking her neck out to become a powerful voice for the disabled in Sierra Leone, mobilising the physically challenged to stand up against violence, abuse, economic exploitation, and any other form of discrimination. More
Zainab Tunkara Clarkson is a transformative figure in Sierra Leone, and she continues to champion the rights of the vulnerable and to challenge systemic injustice. Clarkson advocates in ways that can improve public engagement for good governance. She is a strong critic of regimes in Sierra Leone that have not worked in the interest of Sierra Leoneans so she continually faces social media mudslinging and other attacks. More
Job Titles:
- Founder of Mabel 's Cottage Foundation
Zainab Turay is the Founder of Mabel's Cottage Foundation in Sierra Leone, which aims to improve the position of vulnerable, single, pregnant teenagers and their children by providing them with services and helping them build a future where they can become financially independent. Turay has financial challenges and has been verbally abused and threatened by men that have impregnated the girls she works with; many of those men fear being prosecuted. More