Gcina

Gcina Shongwe is a dynamic Youth Specialist, Gender and Human Rights Advocate, and Programs Manager with extensive experience in youth leadership, advocacy, and development. He is deeply committed to advancing gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and the inclusion of marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQIA+ populations and young key populations in Eswatini and across the region.

Currently serving as Programs Manager at United Youth for Sustainable Globe (UYSG) Eswatini, Gcina oversees strategic programming, advocacy initiatives, and capacity-building efforts that empower young people to actively participate in social change. He has been instrumental in leading organizational strategies that promote equity, amplify youth voices, and foster sustainable development.

In addition to his role at UYSG, Gcina contributes his expertise on international platforms as a Youth Advisory Board Member for the European Union in Eswatini, where he ensures that youth perspectives inform policy and program priorities. He has also played a key role in global advocacy, representing young key populations and civil society organizations at high-level forums such as the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

Passionate about building inclusive systems, Gcina has worked on initiatives that bridge the gap between grassroots communities and policymakers, focusing on addressing systemic barriers to education, health, and funding for youth-led and key population organizations. His leadership style is defined by precision, deliberation, and collaboration, ensuring accountability and inclusivity in every project he leads.

Through his work, Gcina continues to champion the belief that young people are not just beneficiaries of development but are powerful drivers of change. His vision is to cultivate spaces where all youth, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or background, can thrive and contribute to a more just and sustainable future.