Gender or status does not matter, the important thing is that the person we are looking for has democratic values to live and inspire others. They may have gotten through difficult situations – but never backed down from the front lines of democracy, and they all have a personal story to tell. They have also been or are part of our operations. We present them in our series “Champions of Local Democracy”. Get inspired!
Read their stories:


Karin Perers, internationell koordinator, Falu kommun. Foto: ICLD Karin – standing up for young voices


Vitalii Bielobrov Deputy Mayor, Kherson. Photo: ICLD Vitalii – Champion of Local Democracy


Anne Scheffer Leander, ICLD programme officer, Humphrey Pailande, local democracy champion and Ruby Chandra, National mentor Zambia. Photo: Emma Herlitz From kitchen confidence to Local Democracy Champion


John Gitonga, ICLD mentor and champion of local democracy. Photo: Olga Shadura. Champion of Local Democracy: John Gitonga


Deon Pretorius ICLD Mentor for South Africa. Photo: Private. Deon Pretorius: A Rebel with a Cause – Transforming the World with a Vision for a Better Tomorrow


Ulyana Pak at City Council meeting in Lviv, Ukraine. Photo: private. Ulyana from Lviv – maintains local democracy in times of war


Francis Aila. Photo: Ida Edvinsson Francis wants to improve people’s quality of life


Selina Wilson Mesenga as panelist in ICLD Local Democracy Talks in Tanzania. Selina is fighting for more female politicians


Anjeza Bojaxhiu. Photo: Maria Jansson Anjeza’s life mission is to help women and girls affected by domestic violence


Helena Edvinsson, Lokal barnombudsman, Strängnäs Municipality, Sweden. Photo: Eric S, Grafoma Helena Edvinsson – Children’s Champion of Local Democracy


Mariia Tyshchenko, PhD and Executive Director of NGO Poruch. Photo: Private Mariia – Ukrainian Champion of Local democracy


Beka Asandize and one group of local youth that he trains. Photo: private Beka – our Georgian Champion of Local Democracy


Luckson Kanjaka Mulumbi, Mushindamo Town Council Chairperson, Zambia. Photo: Micholax Harry Mussa Luckson Mulumbi – Fighter of equal rights and Champion of Local Democracy


Anders Friden Foto: Privat Anders – a true champion of local democracy


Nereah Amondi Oketch, Member of County Assembly in Homa Bay County, Kenya Ms President of Kenya and a champion of local democracy


Adelina Mwau Ndetos, Deputy Governor, Makueni County, Kenya Champion of local democracy Adelina Mwau Ndeto combat gender based violence


Jenifer Wakhugu Champion of Local Democracy: Jenifer Wakhugu





