Tech Global Institute is excited to introduce its first cohort of Tech Policy Fellows, selected from a global pool of hundreds of applicants. These leaders, with diverse expertise in international human rights law, public policy, economics, political science, child protection, cybersecurity and criminal justice, will dedicate the next six months to researching and implementing policy interventions for responsible technology in underserved regions in the Global Majority. Additionally, they will actively contribute to building a global and multi-stakeholder community of practice focused on fostering an inclusive, accessible, and equitable Internet future.
Manisha Biswas
Content Governance and Democracy
Currently a Senior Advocacy Officer at BLAST, Manisha brings deep experience at the intersection of humanitarian law and gender. She serves as a focal point for multiple civil society coalitions working on the rights of underserved gender-diverse communities in Bangladesh, leading efforts on technology’s impact on identity and civic participation. Previously, she served at the Rohingya emergency operation as a case manager, focusing on child safety and digital access among refugee groups. Manisha holds Bachelor and Master’s degree in law from University of Chittagong. She presented at RightsCon 2023 on the Internet Diet of Rohingya refugees.
Muthuri Kathure
Internet Policy and Platform Accountability
Muthuri is a lawyer and human rights advocate, most recently leading ARTICLE 19’s civic space and digital programs in East Africa. His expertise lies in civic participation and digital rights policy, steering advocacy, research and capacity building efforts for online and offline communities. Previously, as Legal Aid Manager at Justice Defenders (formerly African Prison Project) in Kenya, Gambia and Uganda, he established 12 prison-based legal aid clinics and trained over 150 officers and inmates as paralegals. He has received awards from Amnesty International, and was nominated for 35 Under 35 Award by Kenya Youth Agenda for his work on human rights.
Fahad Bin Siddique
Digital Governance and Human Rights
Fahad is a lawyer and researcher, currently working at the intersection of human rights, governance and intellectual property law. He is actively involved with numerous cases on technology-facilitated gender-based violence, working closely with law enforcement and rights organizations. Previously, he spent time at multiple law firms, leading on various socio-legal cases. He holds a MBA from North South University and the LL.M. in International Law from East West University in Bangladesh.
Azka Zia
Responsible AI and Access
Azka is a researcher and social justice advocacy, currently leading Musawah’s ethnographic research on legal reforms for gender justice in Pakistan. With a background spanning international development, journalism, education and venture funding, she has authored over 100 storybooks for a nonprofit to upskill marginalized communities. Her research involves investigating the intersection of social, religious and cultural dynamics that shape policy outcomes. She holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Central European University and a Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, SFS-Qatar.
