Development impact stories
Read in further detail how Commonwealth alumni have made an impact within their organisations and communities, and across nations and internationally, as described in the articles below

Investigating the impact of the Transgender Persons Act 2018 in Pakistan
by Kirsty Scott | Oct 5, 2022 | Access, inclusion and opportunity
Joham Aziz examines the social and economic wellbeing of Pakistan’s transgender community, known as Khawaja Sira, since the introduction of the Transgender Persons Act 2018.

Empowering religious leaders to help prevent sexual violence in Nigeria
by Kirsty Scott | Aug 29, 2022 | Strengthening global peace, security and governance
Olaoluwa Abagun applies her expertise on gender to work with religious leaders in Lagos State, Nigeria on preventing sexual violence.

Securing the right to an education for all children in emergency settings
by Kirsty Scott | Aug 26, 2022 | Access, inclusion and opportunity
Christine Wanjala reflects on her current and past work providing education programmes for all in emergency settings, from children in post-conflict South Sudan to refugees in Ethiopia.

The green way to power up Rwanda
by Kirsty Scott | Aug 15, 2022 | Science and technology for development
Faustin Ahishakiye shares his motivations for founding a renewable energy company in Rwanda to increase access to electricity in rural areas and combat climate change.

Ensuring equitable polio and routine immunisation coverage in Pakistan
by Kirsty Scott | Aug 13, 2022 | Strengthening health systems and capacity
Mariam Malik discusses her role evaluating the effectiveness of polio immunisation strategies in Pakistan.

Designing innovative technology to combat the spread of harmful surface bacteria
by Kirsty Scott | Aug 3, 2022 | Science and technology for development
Henry Agbe explains the importance of nanotechnology in developing antibacterial surfaces to reduce the spread of infection in the hospital environment, to modify the surface of biomaterials, and inactivate microorganisms in drinking water.

Developing a holistic approach to conservation ecology in the Olifants River Basin
by Kirsty Scott | Aug 2, 2022 | Strengthening resilience and response to crises
Ancois de Villiers promotes the importance of combining natural and social science approaches to address climate-related environmental challenges.

Decolonising the African media landscape
by Kirsty Scott | Jul 12, 2022 | Access, inclusion and opportunity
Nabila Okino shares how she founded ‘The Continental Approach’, a women-led and African-owned media company for African voices and narratives to share knowledge, promote African experiences, and influence policy makers.

Driving positive change for children with spina bifida and related disabilities in Nigeria
by Kirsty Scott | Jul 15, 2021 | Access, inclusion and opportunity
Afolabi Fajemilo shares how he founded the Festus Fajemilo Foundation to improve healthcare for those with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Nigeria and the ongoing impact of its programmes and activities

Protecting Malaysia’s biological diversity
by Kirsty Scott | Jul 8, 2021 | Strengthening resilience and response to crises
Yew Aun Quek promotes the importance of biodiversity conservation and environmental education in Malaysia