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For Ani Mukhigulashvili, courage began in the courtroom — and in the classroom. As a young human-rights lawyer from Georgia, she saw how the voices of rural youth were often missing from decisions that shaped their lives. She decided to change that.
Today, Ani coordinates national coalitions advancing equality, youth participation, and judicial reform through her work at Rights Georgia. Her projects have empowered hundreds of young people to become active citizens and human-rights advocates in communities that are too often overlooked.
As a 2025 Global Fellow in Courage, Ani is expanding her impact — connecting civic education, community leadership, and human-rights protection to build a more inclusive democracy in Georgia.
Her courage lies in choosing service over silence, and action over acceptance — reminding us that transformation starts when young people are trusted to lead.
Being part of Global Fellows in Courage has reminded me why I chose this path — because I believe in positive change, and I’m surrounded by people who do too. Each session connects me with incredible professionals who share their expertise and passion. The fellowship has sharpened my skills, expanded my network, and shown me how global collaboration can directly strengthen local human-rights work in Georgia.
Courage means devotion — fighting for something you believe in, even when it’s not easy or popular. For me, that means standing up for human rights and motivating young people to be part of civic life. I may not always feel as courageous as others, but I keep showing up, listening, and taking action to improve human-rights protection in my country.
My focus is on increasing youth participation in civic life, particularly in rural regions of Georgia. Many young people feel disconnected from local decision-making, which weakens democracy and social inclusion. By building youth capacity, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and promoting civic education, we are helping to develop a new generation of active citizens who can challenge inequality and strengthen community resilience.
For the past three years, I’ve worked closely with young people — including minority ethnic groups — through regional organizations that have earned their trust. Together, we organize trainings on equality, women’s rights, and local self-governance. These collaborations have built real friendships and networks of mutual support. Every time I see youth gain confidence to speak up or launch their own initiatives, I’m reminded why partnership matters.
Through my projects, I’ve engaged around 300 young people from different regions of Georgia in trainings on human-rights education. Many of them have gone on to lead community projects, submit petitions, and advocate for change. Seeing them transform from participants into leaders — and watching families and teachers support that transformation — is the most meaningful result of my work.
In the next decade, I want to see a Georgia where young people — especially from marginalized regions — are active co-creators of democracy. I envision building stronger networks of youth leaders who collaborate across regions and borders, ensuring that human rights are not just protected by law but practiced by every citizen. Through education, advocacy, and mentorship, I hope to help make that future a reality.
Ani Mukhigulashvili’s leadership reflects the essence of GFiC — courage that builds connection and inclusion. From regional youth centers to national policy forums, she is proving that when young people are empowered to lead, democracy grows stronger for everyone.
