Gemechu Kebede

Bio
Gemechu is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nexus Youth Initiatives, a board-led, not-for-profit organization committed to comprehensive youth development for societal transformation. With over a decade of leadership experience, he is dedicated to championing gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in East Africa. His advocacy journey is deeply rooted in firsthand experiences from his rural community, where harmful traditional practices such as female genital cutting (FGC) and early marriage are prevalent. These early observations ignited his determination to combat these violations of human rights and advocate for the well-being of women and girls. Through Nexus Youth Initiatives, Gemechu is implementing transformative programs, including the "Bright Leaders for Gender Equality and Women's Health" program. This initiative trains high school students to become advocates against FGC and early marriage, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to challenge these harmful traditional practices and promote gender equality within their communities. By nurturing a new generation of leaders, Gemechu is fostering a sustainable movement for social change. Gemechu envisions his advocacy extending beyond local communities to regional and global platforms. He plans to actively participate in spaces such as the African Union Summit, where he can connect with like-minded advocates and policymakers to address cultural practices that undermine human rights and global health.