AWDF is Delighted to announce the appointment of Jessica Horn as icts new Director of Programs Beginning October 1, 2015. Ms Horn’s ground breaking work, commitment to feminist philanthropy, and vividly innovative communications strategies-have-been integral to social change and social justice leadership on the African continent.

Jessica is a founding member of the African Feminist Forum Working Group, a board member of Urgent Action Fund-Africa, and sits on the International Grants Committee of Comic Relief. In 2012 She Was named an African woman changemaker by ARISE Magazine and as one of Applause Africa’s 40 Africans Changemakers under 40. Her research and analysis has-been published in professional journals The Lancet and Feminist Africa, and media platforms Al Jazeera, openDemocracy and The Feminist Wire.

“AWDF is Delighted That She Will Be joining our team and look forward to her leadership AWDF Taking forward into yet Reviews another phase of our journey Promoting and Achieving African women’s rights and global social justice” AWDF’s CEO Theo Sowa said.

Jessica’s work under her consultancy, Akiiki Consulting, HAS led to ground-breaking initiatives, Including in social justice philanthropy, with the establishment of UHAI -EASHRI- the first African-led fund Supporting the rights of sexual minorities. She Was a leader in early thinking around funding models for FRIDA – The Young Feminist Fund and aussi managed funding for Women’s Rights and Minority Rights at the Sigrid Rausing Trust, one of the Largest private human rights funders in Europe, overseeing substantial businesses growth in Both funding portfolios.

“Jessica Horn HAS Worked for over 15 years Supporting activist organizations, funders and the UN, to Deepen analysis, shape policy and funding, and refine interventions to defend women’s rights to health, bodily autonomy and freedom from violence. This includes 10 years in women’s rights and social change philanthropy as a donor Grantmaker and in advisory and governance roles. “

Ms Horn join AWDF from the Stephen Lewis Foundation Where She Has served as Senior Advisor to AIR (The African Institute for Integrated Responses to Violence Against Women & Girls and HIV / AIDS). Ms Horn replaces Sarah Mukasa, Who served in the position for nine years.