Abel Koka is a young feminist from Tanzania. He is pursuing a Master’s in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Manitoba. Abel is volunteering as a member of the Leadership Steering Committee with Canadian Women in Global Health, where he is advocating for the advancement of the well-being and rights of women and girls. He is also serving as a member of the Institute for International Women’s Rights – Manitoba (IIWR-MB).
For the past five years, Abel has unleashed youth power to conduct data-driven accountability against decision-makers to improve access to Youth Friendly Reproductive Services and make gender equality a reality. Abel has continued to challenge social norms and policies perpetuating child marriage, teenage pregnancy and denying girls access to education. He has built the capacity of hundreds of boys and girls in schools and communities to understand and demand their right to grow, learn and succeed. Abel has participated in several gender equality forums and played a critical role in amplifying the voices of women and girls in the future they want.
Abel is happy to join IIWR-MB as a Practicum Student from January to April 2023. He is passionate about contributing to enhancing the rights and well-being of women, girls and marginalized groups in Manitoba and across Canada through the skills and knowledge he attained during his studies. Abel is keen to gain more practical experience on how access to social justice and attainment of a just and equal community contributes to achieving Positive Peace which is the foundation of any developed community.