Home » Learn More About IRI » Democracy's Hero

Democracy's Hero

2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012

For 30 years IRI staff have had the privileges to work with committed and courageous individuals who are working to improve the communities and countries. Here are a few of their stories.

Democracy's Heroes: The Egyptian Democratic Academy

Reported incidents of voting irregularities as of December 22, 2010, as tracked by EDA (click on the map to see a current and larger version at U-Shahid).EDA, along with other organizations, monitored Egypt’s parliamentary elections.  It is impressive that brave individuals such as these advocate unflinchingly for reform in the face of intimidation.


Democracy’s Hero: Tserenkhuu Sharavdorj

Over the past 20 years Mongolia’s parliament and the country have faced numerous challenges while striving to create a democratic society.  Mongolia’s success has been due to people like Mr. Ts. Sharavdorj, who served as a member of parliament from 1992-2008.

Democracy’s Hero: Roza Otunbaeva

President Otunbaeva (right) meets with IRI officials in Bishkek.As a leader, and a true believer in democracy, Roza Otunbaeva has been able to put the interests of Kyrgyzstan above her personal ambitions and has fought for the right of people to have a say in how they are governed.

Democracy’s Hero: Bardhylka Kospiri

Bardhylka Kospiri (center) speaks with other disabilities advocates.As a leader of the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF), Bardhylka Kospiri, has been the face of the disabilities rights’ movement for the last 15 years. 

Democracy's Hero: Dr. Anne Itto

Dr. Anne, accompanied by Minister for Education, Central Equatoria State, H.E Stephen Lemi, after meeting girls from a secondary school in Juba.Like most people in Southern Sudan, Dr. Anne Itto had no political experience prior to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in January 2005, which brought peace to the Republic of Sudan.

Democracy’s Hero: Gul Maki Wakhali

Gul Maki at a MAS event in November 2009.Gul Maki Wakhali, an active member of two social movements promoting the civic engagement of youth and women, was killed on May 5 during a provincial council meeting in Zaranj.  Her enthusiasm and dedication helped her overcome age and gender constraints, making her a role model and inspiration for all Afghans.

Democracy’s Hero: Orlando Zapata Tamayo

“On the eve of the second anniversary of Raul Castro coming to power, Orlando Zapata Tamayo has died.  We decree national mourning” tweeted Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez.  Zapata died following an 86-day hunger strike for better prison conditions.

Democracy’s Hero: Arkadiusz “Aram” Rybicki

Rybicki shows a group of young political leaders from Central and Eastern Europe the 21 demands of the Gdansk shipyard strikers, which he helped write.In life and in death, Member of Parliament Arkadiusz “Aram” Rybicki symbolized Poland’s great progress from communism to peace, stability, prosperity and democracy.