The African Sex Workers Alliance (ASWA) has officially unveiled the third cohort of its Young Emerging Leaders (Y.E.L) Mentorship Program, a flagship initiative designed to equip young leaders across Africa with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to champion human rights, health, and social justice within their communities.
Launched in July 2025, this cohort continues ASWA’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of leaders grounded in feminist values, community-centered advocacy, and the defense of sex workers’ rights. The mentorship program offers an interactive learning platform where participants deepen their understanding of critical social justice issues while strengthening their leadership and advocacy capacities.
This year’s mentees represent a dynamic and diverse group of young advocates from across the continent, including:
- Zerbo Djeneba – Burkina Faso
- Joalane Tibi – Lesotho
- Dzah Adjo Christas – Togo
- Bahati Zenny – Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
- Nicole Khayanje – Kenya
- Uzoeto Annet – Nigeria
- Christabel Mawufemor Kpodo – Ghana
- Michaella Mthetwa – Zambia
- Khrseed Allan Wani – South Sudan
The 2025 mentorship journey has so far covered a comprehensive range of transformative topics, including Human Rights Education, Community Health (HIV, TB, Hepatitis B, and Mental Health), Values Clarification and Attitude Transformation (VCAT) with a focus on Access to Abortion and SRHR, Community Engagement and Movement Building, Leadership and Advocacy, Project Development and Program Planning, and Community-Led Monitoring and Development Advocacy.
Through these sessions, participants are not only gaining technical and advocacy skills but also embracing values of inclusion, accountability, and solidarity—core principles that define ASWA’s feminist leadership approach.
“The Y.E.L Mentorship Program is more than a learning experience—it’s a movement for transformation. These young leaders are the future of Africa’s human rights advocacy, and their voices are already shaping inclusive and resilient communities,” said an ASWA representative.
By the end of the program in December 2025, mentees are expected to design and implement community-based projects addressing real challenges in their respective contexts—from improving access to sexual and reproductive health services to mobilizing communities for justice, equality, and accountability.
As ASWA continues to invest in the power of youth, the Y.E.L Mentorship Program remains a testament to the organization’s belief that true change begins when communities lead—and when young voices are heard, supported, and celebrated.
