Best of the Democracy, Human Rights & Governance Heroes for 2016
Freedom, dignity and inclusion are universal human values — and aspirations of all people. They also underpin our ability to make sustainable progress in improving peoples’ lives across a number of development goals.
The #WeThePossible campaign seeks to elevate the stories of individual changemakers who are leading the way toward a more just, prosperous and democratic future in their communities.
Below are stories of five changemakers from around the globe who are helping build democratic, resilient societies and promoting fairness and justice for all — even those who have been pushed to the margins.
Resilience in the face of exploitation in Nepal
Charimaya Tamang knows all too well how easy it is to be trafficked in Nepal. At 16, she was alone cutting grass in the forest when she was ambushed by four men. After being drugged and losing consciousness, she was transported to the brothels in the Kamathipura red light district in Mumbai, India, where she was forced to be a sex worker for the next 22 months. At her lowest moment, she tried hanging herself. However, Charimaya emerged from her trafficking ordeal a stronger woman. Rather than succumbing to stigma and devastation, she has dedicated her life to helping other trafficking survivors find hope. United by the painful days they faced together, Charimaya and 15 of her fellow survivors banded together and formed USAID-supported Shakti Samuha, which translates as “power collective” in Nepali. As the first organization in Nepal established and operated by survivors of human trafficking, Shakti Samuha provides shelter, legal aid, and vocational training and counseling to other survivors. Read more about Charimaya’s story of resilience here.
A Mayor in Indonesia Setting the Example of Good Governance
The mayor of Bojonegoro, Indonesia, Dr. Suyoto Ngartep Mustajab — known as Kang Yoto — graced the attendees of Indonesia’s Human Rights Festival in late November with a song he wrote, welcoming hundreds of Indonesians and foreigners to Bojonegoro. The festival was an important accomplishment for Kang Yoto, who began his political career during Indonesia’s democratic transition from President Suharto, an authoritarian ruler who arrested activists and journalists by the dozens. In 2016, under Kang Yoto’s leadership, Bojonegoro started participating in the Open Government Partnership sub-national Pilot Program, which identifies and involves more people in open government efforts around the world. Embracing the principles of this platform of transparency, empowering citizens, fighting corruption, and harnessing new technologies to strengthen governance, Kang Yoto has used the Open Government Partnership to advance his vision for Bojonegoro’s growth. Read more about Kang Yoto’s efforts in Bojonegoro here.
Paraguay Fashion Event Welcomes Model With Disability
Karen Cano, a young woman with Down Syndrome living in the noisy outskirts of Paraguay’s capital city of Asuncion, had secret ambitions to be a gymnast like her sister. Fulfilling that dream, she went to the Special Olympics Games in China and Greece, where she won bronze, silver and gold medals. After this success, Karen responded to the call of USAID partner Fundación Saraki for people with disabilities to audition for a chance to model on a runway at Asuncion Fashion Week. Karen, along with 13 other people with disabilities, participated in the fashion week that drew over 25,000 spectators. Since that first experience, Karen has been invited to model in three more Asunción Fashion Weeks. Her appearance at the most important fashion event in the country helped prove that the fashion industry, like many others, is ready to embrace diversity. Read and watch the video on Karen’s full story here.
Human Rights Advocate in Uganda Promotes Justice & Peace
Victor Ochen, 34, is the executive director of the USAID-supported African Youth Initiative Network, an organization he founded in 2005 that assists victims of serious war crimes and creates post-conflict programs for widespread reconciliation. He understands where many of the youth he serves are coming from. He also had to overcome a difficult childhood while growing up in conflict-torn northern Uganda, which included living in an internally displaced persons camp for 20 years, often eating just once a day. In 2015, Victor earned global celebrity status when he became the youngest African to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. To Victor, the honor affirms his vision that youth can achieve peace in Africa. Last year, he was also asked to be the United Nation’s ambassador for Sustainable Development Goal 16 — which promotes peace, justice and effective governance. Victor said he intends to promote these concepts not only in Uganda, but all over the world. He hopes his work will help to create a time when war or killing is not an option for change — or to get to power. Read more about Victor here, and listen to the Broadcasting Board of Governors/USAID’s first podcast on Victor, and other local change makers.
A Brave Woman Works to Counter HIV/AIDS Stigma in Tajikistan
Takhmina Khaidarova, 29, was devastated when she learned she had contracted HIV from her husband in 2008 — a status that carries a huge stigma in Tajikistan. While she initially wanted to die after her diagnosis, she instead found new life through antiretroviral therapy treatment and is now serving as hope and inspiration for others. As the head of the USAID-supported Tajik Network of Women Living with HIV/AIDS, Takhmina is open about her status, which is unusual for HIV-positive women in Tajikistan, many of whom face violence, threats and blackmail from relatives, friends and even health professionals. The network, which is the first of its kind in Tajikistan, provides social and psychological support and peer counseling. The organization provides hope for many of these women, saving them from isolation, stigma and possibly suicide. Read more of Takhmina’s inspiring story here.
About the Author
Jessica Benton Cooney is the Communications Specialist for USAID’s Center of Excellence on Democracy, Human Rights and Governance.
