My name is Janet Nandwa Ongoli, and I am a dedicated human rights defender, budget champion, community mobilizer, and the team leader at Active Citizen Initiative Africa. My work focuses on promoting peace, reconciliation, social cohesion, and the inclusion of marginalized groups, including women and people with disabilities (PWD), in Baringo County, Kenya, and beyond. Professional Background Human Rights Defender: I am committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of all individuals, especially marginalized and vulnerable groups. My work involves raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and ensuring that human rights are respected and protected in my community. Budget Champion: I work to ensure that public resources are allocated and used effectively and equitably. I engage in budget advocacy, monitoring, and community education to promote transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. Community Mobilizer: I have extensive experience in organizing and mobilizing communities to participate in various initiatives, including peacebuilding, development projects, and social justice campaigns. My efforts aim to empower communities to take active roles in shaping their futures. Team Leader at Active Citizen Initiative Africa: Leading efforts to promote inclusion, gender equality, and social justice through various community-based initiatives and advocacy programs. Expertise and Experience Peacebuilding and Reconciliation: I have been actively involved in numerous peacebuilding initiatives, including conflict resolution, dialogue facilitation, and mediation efforts. My experience includes working with various local and international organizations to promote peace and reconciliation. Key Achievements Successfully mobilized communities in Baringo County to participate in peacebuilding initiatives, resulting in a significant reduction in local conflicts. Advocated for and achieved increased budget allocations for social services in marginalized areas through budget monitoring and community education. Led Active Citizen Initiative Africa to implement various projects promoting gender equality and the inclusion of PWD, impacting over 5,000 community members. Facilitated numerous dialogues and mediation sessions, fostering understanding and reconciliation among conflicting parties in Baringo County. Personal Motivation Having witnessed the impacts of prolonged conflicts and insecurity in Baringo County, I am deeply committed to contributing to sustainable peace and reconciliation initiatives. I believe in the power of inclusive and gender-sensitive approaches to peacebuilding and social justice. My goal is to empower women and marginalized groups to actively participate in these processes, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs addressed. Vision My vision is to create a society where all individuals, regardless of gender, ability, or socioeconomic status, can live in peace and have equal opportunities. I strive to promote social cohesion, justice, and equity through my work as a human rights defender, budget champion, and community mobilizer. By leading initiatives that focus on inclusion and equality, I aim to build resilient communities that can overcome conflicts and thrive together. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my background, experiences, and dedication to fostering peace and inclusion in Baringo County and beyond. I am eager to continue making a positive impact and working towards a more just and equitable society. Warm Regards, Janet Nandwa Ongoli