Start Network: Stories of Change Start Network

Start Network’s second Change Maker in the Brave category will remain anonymous for security reasons. In this episode, he talks about his life prior to the conflict in Syria, and his feelings of shock and fear when the bombing began. Now with the COVID-19 pandemic, things have gotten worse as the healthcare system is insufficient, and people’s frequent movements make it difficult to keep track of cases. Still, our Change Maker works tirelessly to support those in need and looks at the obstacles he faces as making him ever stronger.

Jessica Dewhurst is the founder and CEO of The Justice Desk, an award-winning human rights organisation based in South Africa. She is also a Start Network Change Maker in the category of Brave.

In this episode, Jessica shares the heartbreaking story of how she came to be involved in the fight for human rights in South Africa. She also discusses the work that The Justice Desk is doing to fight systematic racism and gender-based violence, and to empower everyday people to become human rights activists.

Hazel Tanchuling is the Executive Director of Rice Watch Action Network, a national organisation based in the Philippines and Start Network’s Change Maker in the category of Lasting Systemic Change.

In this episode, Hazel shares how Rice Watch Action Network grew from a small development organisation into a national humanitarian organisation focusing on climate-related disasters. She also discusses the importance of working across both the local and national levels, as well as pooling resources in order to maximise impact.

Heba Abu Jarbou works as a Quality Assurance Officer at Islamic Relief in Palestine. She is also Start Network’s Change Maker in the category of Inclusive.

In this episode, Heba talks about her work to train colleagues on issues related to gender, protection and inclusion, and how to consider them in the lifecycle of all projects. She also discusses her latest project to develop an inclusive feedback and complaints mechanism that will allow those with disabilities to report issues more easily.

Méschac Nakanywenge est le coordinateur de l'Union pour la Promotion, la Défense des Droits Humains et de l'Environnement à Goma, République Démocratique du Congo (UPDDHE-GL), qui est le Start Network Change Maker dans la catégorie Localisation.

Dans cet épisode, Méschac parle de son travail pour le développement de la RDC, en particulier en ce qui concerne les femmes et les jeunes. Il se concentre sur la formation dans les secteurs divers afin de les aider à accroître leur autonomie.

The Feminist Humanitarian Network is a network of local and national women’s rights organisations, national and regional women’s networks, international NGOs, academic organisations, funding institutions, and individuals. It is also Start Network’s Change Maker in the category of Operates Collectively.

In this episode, Anu Pillay, Holly Miller and Naomi Tulay-Solanke discuss how they got interested in feminism, and the creation of the network through a common goal of challenging patriarchal systems that oppress women around the world. They also discuss how coming together as a group of feminists gives them a sense of safety to share their experiences and keep the momentum going.