Gcina Shongwe
Youth Chairperson
MenEngage Youth Eswatini
He is a young person born in the rural areas in the southern part of Eswatini, born of the late Zodwa Mzileni and Musa Shongwe. Started his primary school at Manyonyaneni Primary School and finished his Higher education at Big Bend High School year 2018, He has served as a peer educator at Super Buddies Club, also served as a Focus Group Facilitator with Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities. Worked with REPSI Eswatini as a Community Facilitator, seeing the gap in his Community in representation of the youth ,he started an organization focusing on advocacy and empowerment for the youth in his Community. Gcina is the founder and Executive Director of United Youth for Sustainable Globe Eswatini,he is also serving as European Union in Eswatini Youth Advisory Board, He also serves under the Social Inclusion Portfolio with EU in Eswatini, He is also serving as the Youth Coordinator for MenEngage Eswatini. Gcina is also working with UNDP Eswatini Youth Forum under the Systems Portfolio Committee. Motivated by the space within MenEngage he is the newly elected MenEngage Africa Youth Chair. Gcina is holding certificate in Executive Leadership and People Management acquired at Aspire Leadership Program, He also hold certificate in Civic Leadership graduated from YALI RLSCA Cohort 18, he is also holding certificates in Monitoring and Evaluations and certificate in Advocacy acquired from Philanthropy University.
Ihunanyachukwu Precious Nwaeze
Youth Vice Chairperson
MenEngage Youth Nigeria
Born on February 21, 2001, Precious Nwaeze is a spirited and dynamic Nigerian youth, presently in her third year of studying Computer Science at Caleb University, a distinguished private institution in Nigeria.
At her core, Precious Nwaeze is a fervent advocate for peace, gender equity, and human rights. Her deep commitment to nurturing these values has propelled her into active roles. Presently, she serves as the Youth Coordinator for Mercy and Peace Creation, where her focus lies in fostering understanding and harmony. In addition, she plays an instrumental role as the Assistant Youth Coordinator for Men Engage Africa and Youth Coordinator for Men Engage Nigeria , an alliance striving for evidence based transformative changes by engaging men and boys to achieve gender equality.
Outside her advocacy endeavors, Precious Nwaeze is a versatile individual, skilled in acting and modeling, while also embracing a role as a social worker. She displays an artistic flair, complemented by a compassionate drive to better her community.
Her leisure pursuits encompass singing, culinary arts, and reading, showcasing her artistic inclination, culinary creativity, and thirst for knowledge.
Throughout her journey, Precious Nwaeze has actively collaborated with diverse professionals, demonstrating prowess as an independent contributor and a collaborative team member. Her current engagements encompass three significant roles: Assistant Youth Coordinator for Men Engage Africa Alliance, Youth Coordinator for the Men Engage Nigeria Youth Network and Youth Coordinator for Mercy and Peace Creation . In these capacities, she spearheads growth and progress within the network. Her dedication finds expression in her enthusiastic participation in various Men Engage Nigeria initiatives and training programs, such as her involvement in the Accountability for Men Engage Africa event in May 2021 and the MATI training in June 2021, focusing on engaging men and boys in advocating against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Her active participation in the conceptualization of the campaign organized by Mercy and Peace Creation, tagged "You Can't Cut My Daughter", led to the organization successfully reaching over 30 young fathers during COVID-19 lock down, to discourage cutting of young girls in Alagbole Community, Ogun state, Nigeria.
Precious Nwaeze's journey epitomizes her resolute dedication to peace, gender parity, and human rights. Her varied interests, combined with her pivotal roles, underscore her standing as a dynamic force propelling positive transformation and advance
Cyprian Narzis Komba
Tanzania Focal Person. MEA Youth Strategic Partner
Y Plus Global
Cyprian is a Tanzanian, 27 year old, openly and proudly living with HIV, holding a bachelor of science in applied agro-extension with Education. Graduate of certificate in comprehensive sexuality education and HIV/AIDS and advocacy monitoring and evaluation. Trained on advocacy, gender and human rights. Passionate HIV youth advocate and young researcher , currently serving as a board Member of Eastern African National Network for AIDS and Health Service organization (EANNASO) and working at the Network of young people living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania as youth advocacy and campaigns manager and country focal person for READY+ program by Yplus and frontline AIDS.
Successful mobilized young people living with HIV both out of school and in-school to identify service delivery changing needs while pushing for changes on policies that respond to the realities and needs and build peer capacities through sharing testimonials, training and social media platforms. He also advocates for ethical and meaningful engagement of young people living with HIV in their diversity to decisions that affect our lives to accelerate HIV response. Focuses on closing the prevention and treatment gaps while addressing human rights, gender equality and social-structural barriers that hinder access to services.
He was Selected to represent Youth Living HIV in COP22 and COP23 for PEPFAR, Represented young people from tanzania in international AIDS conference 2022(AIDS2022) in montreal, Canada and sexual violence research initiative 2022 (SVRI2022) in cancun, Mexico. Couched fellow youth on advocacy and impacted them with knowledge and experience while he Believes in the power of diverse opinions of young people but with a unified voice to influence changes responding to our needs.
Thierryves Haragirimana
Sub Regional Representative: East Africa
MenEngage Youth Burundi
Nembo Ekong Ntunkem Nengu
Sub Regional Representative: Central Africa
MenEngage Youth Cameroon
Nembo Ekong is a dynamic 26-year-old passionate and proactive AGYW advocate deeply committed to empowering women and girls.
Currently serving as the Coordinator for the Rural and Urban Grassroots Business Women Association, she tirelessly advocates for the rights of women and girls in both rural and urban settings. Her dedication doesn't stop there; she's also a fierce advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and a passionate peace activist.
Over the past 5 years, Nembo has been on the frontlines, working closely with Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) to address critical issues related to SRHR and access to vital services such as contraception and menstrual hygiene management. Her unwavering efforts have left indelible footprints over the sands of time in the lives of countless individuals.
Nembo Ekong is a force reckoned with, striving to make the world a more equitable and safe place for all.
Ally Mwamzola
East Africa Regional Representative
MenEngage Youth Tanzania
Ally Mwamzola is a devoted Gender Champion working to engage men and boys in ending Gender-Based Violence while also addressing the gendered impacts of climate change, with a specific focus on climate justice for women. Currently serving as the Country Coordinator of MenEngage Tanzania Youth Network, through Youth of United Nations Association (YUNA). Ally is determined to break down barriers to women's rights and gender equality, fostering solidarity between men and women to combat gender injustices and patriarchal systems.
As an energetic and passionate young leader from Tanzania, Ally actively promotes the United Nations' principles and activities, increasing public awareness and advocating for inclusivity in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Tanzania.
Ally played a vital role from 2020 to 2021 in establishing and organizing the youth network's structure in Tanzania. He represented youth interests within MenEngage Tanzania, offering strategic insights to advance the organization's objectives.
Ally's remarkable journey includes his recognition as a Sustainable Development Goals Champion in 2017. He has worked with prominent organizations such as UNA, YUNA, ActionAid Tanzania, Global Platforms, and CDF. His diverse efforts empower Tanzanian youth to participate in climate action, encourage men and boys to combat GBV, advocate for environmental conservation, support SDG implementation, and champion the Youth 2030 Agenda.
Dennis Khomah
West Africa Regional Representative
MenEngage Youth Liberia
Dennis Kromah was born and raised in the Firestone-Liberia community. He is passionate about inspiring young people to achieve their full potential in life. He believes that every individual has unique talents and abilities that can be harnessed for personal and societal development. Through his speeches, he encourages young people to believe in themselves, dream big, and take action towards achieving their goals. He also motivates them to be responsible citizens who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities.
In addition to his motivational speaking, Dennis is also a digital security advocate. He believes that in today's world, where technology has become an integral part of our lives, it is important to prioritize digital security. He encourages young people to be cautious when sharing their personal information online and to take steps to protect themselves from cyber threats.
Dennis's work in promoting social-economic development and environmental sustainability has not gone unnoticed. He has over 9 years of experience in social work, secondary teaching, and journalism. He values collaboration, teamwork, volunteerism, helping others, taking initiatives, and learning. Dennis has an innovative mindset that has enabled him to excel in his career, from being a child radio broadcaster to Director of Business and Accountant of Peace FM (96.5) from 2012-2015. He has organized numerous radio talk shows on "Youth and leadership" to provide a platform for youths to discuss innovative ideas. In addition to his advocacy work, Dennis is also the Acting Executive for Youth Alliance for Rural Development in Liberia(YARD-Liberia), Inc, MenEngage Liberia Youth Steering Committee Chair, digital security doer, and motivational speaker. He has received several accolades for his contributions to society. In 2023, he was awarded the "Outstanding Youth Personalities of the year" by Voices Liberia, Inc. He was also recognized as one of the "Change of Margibi County" by Youth in Action for Developmental Initiatives(YADI) - Liberia, Inc 2022
To sum up, Dennis Kromah is a passionate advocate for social-economic development, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment. His dedication to serving others and making a positive impact in his community is truly inspiring. He is an excellent example of what can be achieved when we use our talents and resources to make the world a better place.
Prudence Chavula
Southern Africa Regional Representative
MenEngage Malawi Youth
Prudence Chavula is a Gender and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) specialist from Malawi. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Malawi. Whilst in college, she served in the students’ union as the Director of Women Affairs. Her role entailed ensuring that there is a conducive environment for female students and handling gender-based violence cases. Prudence serves as the Board Director and Chairperson of the Programs Sub-committee for the National Youth Council of Malawi. She currently works as the Executive Director for a grassroots feminist organization called Go Fund A Girl Child. The organization was established in 2015 by a group of adolescent girls and young women who survived various forms of gender-based violence. Its main aim is to advocate for the creation of an enabling environment for rural and peri-urban adolescent girls and young women to become powerful agents of change for the socio-economic development of the Malawian society. The organization has and is implementing interventions with technical and financial support from partners such as; the Icelandic government, UN Women, UNFPA and Ipas. Prudence is guided by the principle of empowering the voiceless to speak out for themselves as such she champions creation of safe spaces for vulnerable girls and young women in order to create a cadre of AGYW, empowered to challenge harmful practices. At the centre of her advocacy work is the mobilization and capacity building of resilient local stakeholders and community-based change agents that are actively responsible and accountable for the protection and safeguarding of girls and Women’s rights.