Updates: Women Leading the Change Cohort-2 Ongoing. Join Us!
Log in Careers Volunteer
A2WG
Women Leading the Change • Participant Spotlight

Jonas Happiness Sarki

National Health Fellow, Researcher, Digital Marketing specialist. Bauchi, Nigeria Group B

I am Jonas Happiness Sarki, a National Health Fellow, public health advocate, and emerging researcher based in Bauchi State, Nigeria. I am deeply committed to advancing inclusive governance, strengthening women’s civic participation, and promoting community-centered development. With a multidisciplinary background spanning public health, advocacy, research, and digital communication, I bring a strategic, people-focused approach to leadership and social change. My work focuses on strengthening grassroots systems that amplify women’s voices in decision-making spaces, particularly at the local government and community levels. Through my engagement with the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp), I have contributed to health advocacy initiatives, community mobilization efforts, and evidence-informed dialogues aimed at advancing gender equity and accountable governance. Driven by the belief that sustainable development must be inclusive, I am especially passionate about addressing structural and socio-cultural barriers that limit women’s civic representation. I leverage research, advocacy, and digital platforms to influence policy conversations, mobilize communities, and support transparent leadership. I envision a future where women are not only participants in governance processes but active leaders and decision-makers shaping policies that impact their lives and communities.

Back to WLC Support WLC
Endorsements
144
Jonas Happiness Sarki
Education
BSc
Age range
25–34
Organization
Sector Wide Approach (SWAp)
Back the programme

Support the ecosystem behind each WLC profile.

Profiles are more than stories. They sit inside a broader A2WG model of leadership development, research visibility, endorsement-based credibility, and follow-up impact work.

Fund with $50 Fund with $150 Fund with $500
What donor support unlocks
Leadership development
Research & manuscripts
Profile visibility
Post-cohort tracking
Invest in WLC Open Impact Spotlight
Photo gallery
Participant portraits
Photos are provided by the participant.
Jonas Happiness Sarki
Jonas Happiness Sarki
Jonas Happiness Sarki
Jonas Happiness Sarki
Jonas Happiness Sarki
Jonas Happiness Sarki
Jonas Happiness Sarki
Leadership focus
Key issues & motivation
Key issue(s)
Under representations of women in decision making and polities
Motivation
I am motivated by the belief that inclusive leadership at the grassroots level is essential for sustainable development. Seeing capable women excluded from civic and decision-making spaces drives my commitment to advocacy, research, and community engagement. I am passionate about bridging the gap between evidence, community voices, and policy, ensuring that women are not only beneficiaries of development efforts but active leaders shaping the future of their communities.
Leadership philosophy
My leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, service, and evidence-based action. I believe effective leadership begins with listening to communities, empowering others to lead, and using data and lived experiences to inform decisions. I strive to lead with integrity, empathy, and accountability while creating spaces where women and marginalized voices are heard and valued.
Research project
EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY MECHANISMS AND POLITICAL CAMPAIGN MODELS IN PROMOTING WOMEN’S CIVIC REPRESENTATION IN NORTH EAST OF NIGERIA
Problem: Despite efforts to increase women's civic representation in North East Nigeria, their participation in politics remains low. Grassroots advocacy mechanisms and political campaign models aimed at promoting women's representation have been implemented, but their effectiveness is unclear. Why it matters: Women's representation in politics is crucial for inclusive governance, policy-making, and addressing gender-specific issues. North East Nigeria, with its unique cultural and socio-economic context, requires context-specific strategies to empower women in politics. What we aim to contribute: This study evaluates the effectiveness of grassroots advocacy mechanisms and political campaign models in promoting women's civic representation in North East Nigeria. We seek to identify best practices, challenges, and opportunities for improvement, ultimately informing strategies to increase women's participation in politics. Our objectives include: - Assessing the impact of grassroots advocacy on women's political engagement - Examining the role of political campaign models in supporting women's candidacy - Identifying factors influencing women's decision to participate in politics - Providing recommendations for policymakers, NGOs, and stakeholders to enhance women's civic representation By addressing this knowledge gap, we aim to contribute to more inclusive and representative governance in North East Nigeria, ultimately benefiting women, communities, and the region as a whole.
Target beneficiaries
- Women in North East Nigeria, particularly those in politics or aspiring to participate in politics - Political parties and politicians in North East Nigeria who can benefit from increased women's representation - Communities in North East Nigeria, especially those with low women's participation in politics, who can gain from more inclusive governance - Policymakers, NGOs, and stakeholders working on women's empowerment and governance initiatives in the region
Expected impact
- Increased women's participation in politics and decision-making roles in North East Nigeria - More inclusive governance and policies addressing women's needs - Strengthened capacity of women leaders and aspiring politicians - Enhanced awareness and support for women's empowerment among communities and policymakers - Improved collaboration among stakeholders (NGOs, policymakers, etc.) to promote women's representation
Evidence record
Verified outcomes after WLC
Verified outcomes will appear here as A2WG reviews and publishes them.