Meet the WeLead Steering Committee

Restless Development recruited six rightsholders into We Lead’s steering committee, training them to engage meaningfully as equal partners.

Andrea Paz

Andrea is a young activist passionate about women’s rights in Honduras. She is a dedicated student of Communication Sciences, where she has found a platform to express her voice and advocate for gender equality. Currently, she works as a communication coordinator at the Organization Keys in Defense of Women with HIV and is part of the consortium We Lead. With a special dedication to the sexual and reproductive rights of young people, Andrea works tirelessly to promote awareness and access to crucial information in her community. Thanks to her experience in social media activism, she has proven to be an expert in planning and executing campaigns aimed at promoting human rights and challenging oppressive social norms. In addition to her digital activism, Andrea is also involved in sexual education in schools in Honduras. As a committed educator, her goal is to empower young people by providing them with knowledge and tools to make informed and healthy decisions regarding their sexuality.

Eliannore Boutros

Eliannore is an aspiring gynecologist, leading initiatives to democratise the access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Lebanon, by introducing the concept of self-sampling and home testing. Her mission is to elevate women’s voices, foster empowerment in a paternalistic medical landscape, and revolutionise the narrative surrounding gynecological care around the globe. Through innovation, advocacy and education, she thrives to create a future where every woman has control over her well-being, and participates in decision-making related to her body. Actively engaging in international dialogues on advancing SRH rights, Eliannore is committed to fostering an inclusive movement towards a regional and global change.

Malkia John

Malkia is a dynamic and visionary leader dedicated to fostering positive change in the areas of gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, and human rights. As the founder of Sauti Salama and the driving force behind FemPower Connect, she has been a trailblazer in advocating for survivors of sexual violence and amplifying marginalised voices. Engaging actively in initiatives like contributing to young feminist research through the Nawiri Project with PC Kenya, Malkia demonstrates a commitment to addressing diverse issues such as SRHR, SGBV, and climate justice. With a global perspective and a background in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Malkia stands as a catalyst for transformative change

Ruth Awori

Ruth Awori is a seasoned youth leader, who believes that every young person should be able to enjoy their sexual reproductive health and rights.

She is currently working with the Uganda network of Young People living with HIV the World Health Organisation and MUJHU Young Generation Alive.

The youth are the power that we need to drive the agenda of improving SRHR for young people.

Sondos Abuaziza

Sondos Abuaziza is a passionate activist, working with local and international non-governmental organizations on women empowerment projects.

Abuaziza conducts workshops on Gender and Identity and has represented Jordan in several local and international conventions and conferences. She serves minorities in Jordan by raising awareness about various topics related to SOGI. 

Ending human right violations needs to be a joint effort between legal amendments, the people themselves and a strong social justice movement. This responsibility belongs to us all.

Vargas Ricca

Vargas Ricca is an independent consultant and activist for the rights of women with disabilities.

Born and raised in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, Valentina, she is one of the founders of Mujeres con Capacidad de Soñar a Colores, Guatemala’s first collective of women with disabilities and allies. The organsation uses art, personal and collective strengthening and advocacy as tools for social transformation.

I believe in building bridges across movements and recognizing that our collective work will take us a lot further than individual actions. This is the great potential that I see in We Lead.