Rahat Matugamu Eliasu – National GEPA Officer
Congratulations on your appointment as the National Program Officer for Gender Equality and Policy Advocacy (GEPA) at Cooperative Agency for Research and Development (CARD).
Rahat Matugamu Eliasu is a youth leader and development professional serving in this role at CARD. In this position, she leads youth-centered initiatives that advance gender equality, strengthen community participation, and influence policy for sustainable and inclusive development.
With a strong background in medicine, community-led development, and social innovation, Rahat brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to her work—bridging health, gender, and environmental sustainability. She has worked directly with underserved communities, supporting grassroots initiatives that empower young people, women, and vulnerable groups to take ownership of their development pathways.
Her leadership is grounded in human-centered design, participatory engagement, and a deep commitment to locally driven solutions. From facilitating community dialogues to guiding youth-led projects and supporting policy advocacy efforts, she is passionate about creating systems where communities are not just beneficiaries, but active decision-makers and co-creators of change.
Rahat’s work reflects a broader vision: to build resilient communities through inclusive leadership, evidence-based programming, and strategic partnerships. Through CARD, she continues to champion initiatives that align with donor priorities, foster innovation, and deliver measurable social impact at scale.
She welcomes collaboration with donors, partners, and stakeholders who share a commitment to advancing gender equity, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development.