Our Team

Faiza Jama Mohamed led the effort to open Equality Now’s first regional office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2000 and has served as its Director ever since. She has more than 20 years of experience working with international organizations and was an active member of the women’s movement in Somalia for many years before joining Equality Now. Faiza has expertise in movement building and was instrumental in building several women’s organizations with a focus on promoting peace, gender equality and advocacy for women’s rights. In 1998, she received the Hundred Heroines Award in recognition of her activism in support of the human rights of Somali women. In 2008, she was awarded the Hunger Project’s Africa Prize for Leadership for Sustainable End of Hunger. Faiza serves on numerous committees and Boards dealing with women’s rights issues and closely supports the work of the African Union Commission. Faiza holds a M.B.A. from the California State University in Fresno, and a human rights diploma from the Institute of Social Studies at The Hague in the Netherlands.

Injustice against women and girls inspires Faiza to advocate for their rights. She believes that the law is a critical to deterring crimes against women. By showing people the consequences of crimes, the law can serves as an effective prevention tool. Faiza’s is inspired by both her parents, who played a big role in shaping who she is today, and her nieces, for whom she wants a better world. Her mantra: “Always be optimistic! Obstacles or challenges are temporary and they can be overcome with determination and persistent effort!”

Outside of the office Faiza enjoys reading, sports, and spending time with family and friends.