Our Mission
🌍 Global GAIN Mission Statement
Global GAIN (Grassroots Advocacy and Impact Network) exists to safeguard and strengthen democracy by preserving its professional expertise, empowering diverse and inclusive leadership, and creating resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding the erosion of democratic norms and institutions.
We envision a world where resilient democratic systems are led by a richly diverse community—especially women and underrepresented voices—united across borders to defend and renew democratic values in the face of rising authoritarianism.
✊ What We Do We work at the intersection of democracy preservation, leadership development, and international solidarity, focusing on five core strategies:
Preserving Democratic Expertise We respond to the dismantling of traditional democracy support systems by documenting institutional knowledge, supporting displaced professionals, and creating rapid-response transition services.
Empowering Inclusive Democratic Leadership Through flagship initiatives like Democracy Pros, WomenGAIN, and global hubs such as CoKiyovu, we build inclusive pipelines and lifelong networks for diverse democracy professionals—especially women, people of color, and those navigating complex global contexts.
Building Sustainable Career Pathways We offer training, mentorship, fellowships, and career stabilization tools to support democracy professionals, with a focus on transitions across election cycles and institutional collapses.
Creating Alternative Democracy Support Systems In the absence of state and institutional backing, we construct new, decentralized models of democratic infrastructure—powered by philanthropy, peer networks, and a digital knowledge exchange platform.
Global Collaboration for Democratic Restoration We facilitate cross-border learning, solidarity alliances, and coordinated responses to authoritarian threats through our Transnational Progressive Alliance—linking democracy leaders in the U.S. with counterparts in Europe, Latin America, and beyond.
🌱 Our Commitment In this time of global democratic crisis, Global GAIN pledges to:
Protect and elevate democracy professionals on the frontlines
Center women's leadership as a cornerstone of democratic renewal
Create physical and virtual hubs for collaboration and training
Connect diverse leaders globally to learn, build, and organize together
Develop innovative, scalable tools for a new era of democracy work
Global GAIN is not just preserving democracy—we are reinventing it. Through this bold, integrated vision, we are equipping a new generation of leaders with the knowledge, networks, and resilience to rebuild and transform democratic systems from the ground up.
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Our Impact
Causes We Support
Countries We Serve
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
🌍 Why We Align with the SDGs: Our Vision, Our Impact At CoKiyovu, we believe that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is not just a global responsibility—it is a local opportunity. Our mission is grounded in the belief that true transformation comes from women leading change, communities healing together, and systems shifting toward equity and sustainability. We support the full vision of the SDGs and see them as interdependent—education fuels health, climate resilience depends on justice, and none of the goals are possible without gender equality. But as we work to secure land, build a transformative space, and scale our programs, we are choosing to focus deeply on five SDGs that most directly reflect our values, structure, and impact: 🧘♀️ SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being Health is foundational to leadership. Without mental clarity, physical safety, and emotional healing, leadership is unsustainable. At CoKiyovu, we create spaces where wellness is a daily practice, not a luxury. How We Advance This Goal: A yoga and meditation studio offering trauma-informed movement and mindfulness Community wellness retreats centering women’s healing and rest Urban farming and nutrition initiatives that reconnect people to food and land A culinary program that nourishes both body and spirit, led by women chefs and farmers ♀️ SDG 5: Gender Equality This is the heartbeat of our mission. Gender equity is not one part of what we do—it is embedded in every space, every story, and every program at CoKiyovu. How We Advance This Goal: The Women’s Leadership Institute, training a new generation of changemakers in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and advocacy A storytelling hub that reclaims women’s narratives and makes their leadership visible Economic empowerment through social enterprise, giving women ownership and opportunity Ongoing engagement with policymakers and community leaders to influence inclusive systems 🌱 SDG 13: Climate Action Sustainability is not a trend—it’s our responsibility. Rwanda is leading the way on climate innovation, and CoKiyovu proudly joins this effort with regenerative, community-based practices. How We Advance This Goal: Eco-conscious building that models renewable energy and green design Urban gardens and permaculture that feed our community and regenerate our soil Programs and experiences that connect women’s lives to climate resilience Sustainability education woven into every retreat and visitor experience ✊🏽 SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Rwanda’s story is one of resilience and renewal. CoKiyovu honors this legacy by fostering leadership rooted in justice, participation, and peace. How We Advance This Goal: Civic engagement training for young women preparing to lead in public life Safe spaces for community dialogue, healing, and reconciliation Collaborations with women in government and civil society to strengthen democratic institutions 🌐 SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals None of this happens alone. CoKiyovu is a collaborative ecosystem—a hybrid model that brings together nonprofit vision, social enterprise innovation, and global networks. How We Advance This Goal: Operated through a synergistic structure: Women GAIN Rwanda (local NGO), Global GAIN (U.S. NGO), and CoKiyovu (social enterprise) Strategic partnerships with Airbnb, Akilah alumni, local artisans, and grassroots changemakers Funding and support from donors, investors, and volunteers committed to women-led transformation A global invitation to co-create: visitors, funders, and fellows are all part of our journey 💫 Why These Five Goals? We care about all 17 SDGs. But these five are our compass. They reflect how CoKiyovu lives at the intersection of healing, equity, sustainability, democracy, and global sisterhood. This is not just a space—it’s a vision in motion. It is a place where bold dreams are nurtured, stories are honored, and women lead the way toward a more just and joyful world.
