2020
David Karorero
- Age: 30
- | He/him/his
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We, young people, are the ones playing an important role in today's generation and for upcoming generations. Giving us the opportunity to be part of our solutions is not only a need but a nonnegotiable right since there is nothing about us without us.
- David Karorero
Bio
David Karorero is originally from Burundi and currently lives in Denmark. He is working toward a Bachelor of Social Sciences and Alpha Crucis College. As a Country Coordinator at IYAFP, David manages the project in Denmark, leading the Unleash Next Generations project in asylum centers, sharing skills and knowledge about sexual reproductive health and rights with young asylum seekers and refugees, and integrating hubs with schools and asylum centers. As Founder of Burundian Youth for a Brighter Future, David is responsible for project management, fundraising, and monitoring.
Additionally, David is a Young Leader for the Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health and Sustainable Development Goals, on The Collaborative Steering Committee Youth Consultation on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, and member of ListenUp for Youth Wellbeing Bringing Youth Voice and Context to Research, Policy, and Practice.
What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?
I grew up in a country where gender equality is still taboo. My experience as a refugee showed me how women are likely to have more difficulties during war and humanitarian settings. That's why I put women refugees’ rights at the center of all my discussions.
Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.
I was able to present a winning solution during the WHO Global Dialogue on Financing for Prevention and Control of NCDs in April 2018, a project on how to integrate mental health support into the routine of a refugee camp on a special focus for pregnant women. I have also spoken on different stages about refugees where I always put a special emphasis on pregnant women or survivors of sexual assault in order to generate solutions designed to them. I have also been nominated to compete for the World Dignity Project Mental Health Champion Award.
Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?
Reaching out of the people in my community, playing basketball, and listening to motivational speakers.
Languages Spoken:
- Danish (Advanced/Native)
- English (Advanced/Native)
- French (Advanced/Native)
- Kinyarwanda (Advanced/Native)
- Kirundi (Advanced/Native)
- Kiswahili (Advanced/Native)
- English (Advanced/Native)
Publications:
Speaks On:
- migrant and refugee empowerment
- mental health psychosocial support in humanitarian settings
- youth participation in global decision-making process
Past Awards, Certifications, or Fellowships:
- Youth Innovation Lab for Solutions on NCD's (2018)
- UNLEASH (2017)
- Human Rights and Environment by UNITAR
- Certificate of Completion by IYAFP
- Certificate of Achievement by the Global School Program
- Leadership Certificate by Mariager Hojskole
- Theology by Mariager hojskole
