As a valued friend, supporter, and ally of Equality Now, I wanted you to be among the first to know of two important pieces of news. 

Earlier this month Equality Now celebrated its 30th anniversary. I am proud of the part we have played (thanks to your support!) over 30 years to unlock the potential of millions of women and girls through legal equality. As we've reflected on our progress, it has shown us the path ahead. 

This brings me to the first piece of important news – the launch of our new organizational strategy, Future Proofing Equality: A just world for women and girls. This plan sets out how Equality Now will continue to confront and challenge inequality in every area, from the age-old constructs of religion and tradition to the digital environments and culture of the modern world. It also explains how, together, we will work to dismantle the patriarchal constraints of the past and present, clearing the path for a future where women and girls are equal to men and boys. 

With the launch of this strategy, Equality Now is entering a new chapter in its history. As we enter this new phase, it’s my belief that Equality Now needs a new leader. 

Serving Equality Now’s mission of equality for women and girls around the world has been the pinnacle of my career – it is now time for me to move on.

My journey with Equality Now began as a volunteer while I was still in law school. My contributions to the work of what remains today the only organization dedicated to legal equality for women and girls were a great source of both personal and professional pride.

When, in 2008, I was invited to serve as the organization's first Director of Programs, I did not have to think twice. When I was asked three years later in 2011 to take the position of Global Executive Director, I was daunted by the scale of the challenge, but I am delighted to say I took the risk, and now, over ten years later, I am ready to pass the baton.

Having dedicated the last decade to expanding the reach and impact of Equality Now, I am confident that I am leaving the organization in what is its strongest position yet. Since 2008 our staff has grown from 17 to more than 60, and our annual budget has grown from $2.5 million to over $13 million. We have incredibly smart, creative teams working in all corners of the world, overseen by a diverse, regionally representative, and talented global board.

I have been humbled by the commitment and dedication shown by every member of the Equality Now team, as well as by our friends and supporters, whose generosity – be it with funds, time, or expertise – has helped create the strong organization that we have today. 

It is that strong organization that will deliver on the vision of Future Proofing Equality and scale up to meet the growing assault on justice for women and girls. I am excited for the new leader to take on the mantle and bring fresh momentum and energy to the movement.

I will remain in post until the end of 2022, to ensure a smooth transition as our board conducts and completes its search for a new Global Executive Director. After this, I will continue to serve as a Senior Advisor to the organization and to the new Global Executive Director to advise them as and when they require. In the future, I plan to spend time looking at ways to advance gender equality, including in Pakistan where we have seen concerning trends in deprioritization of women's and girls' rights. 

Read more from our board in a statement on our website.

Serving Equality Now’s mission of global equality has been both an honor and a privilege, and I will continue to support the organization in the future, however and whenever I am called upon to do so. I look forward greatly to seeing this next phase of its journey unfold.

Thank you again for the role that you have played in Equality Now’s impact over the last 30 years, I’m proud to be part of such a strong movement.
 

In solidarity,

Yasmeen Hassan
Global Executive Director 
Equality Now