Dear John

In the months since I announced I would be stepping down from my role after over a decade as Global Executive Director, our team has been engaged in an extensive search to find the next leader of Equality Now. 

Today, I am delighted to tell you that we have found that leader and to introduce you to our incoming Global Executive Director, Sharmila “Mona” Sinha. 

Mona is a long-time champion of gender equality. Growing up in Calcutta, India, she saw first-hand the impact of discrimination and learned the importance of investing in women and girls. These early experiences have led her to become a distinguished global advocate for gender equality, holding several leadership positions in social justice organizations after a stellar career in finance. 

In recent years Mona has served as the Executive Chair of Women Moving Millions, the Board Chair of the ERA Coalition Fund for Women’s Equality, and Chairwoman of Apne Aap. To date, Mona has led and catalyzed well over $1 billion to fund progressive projects, initiatives, and grassroots movements that elevate women’s economic agency and amplify women leaders.  

A few words from our Board of Directors:
 
“We saw in Mona an outstanding leader, a passion and deep-rooted commitment to the cause of Equality Now, and a highly developed set of skills to take women’s and girls’ equality to new heights…With Mona at the helm and an incredible team in place, Equality Now will continue to lead the way in its fight for equality for women and girls across the world.” 

I’ll be working with Mona over the next few months to ensure a smooth handover and finding ways for you to get to know Mona as well. In the meantime, she has asked me to pass along the following message: 

“The vision of Equality Now to ensure that all women and girls the world over enjoy equal rights under the law is a vision I know we must achieve. In a world that is shifting away from this vision, our work is even more critical to ensure that women and their communities can thrive. I am deeply humbled to lead an extraordinary team to make legal and lived equality a reality.”

Mona’s ambition and capability to create a just world for women and girls have found the perfect home at Equality Now—and with our global community of supporters just like you. 

In solidarity and with gratitude,
 

Yasmeen Hassan

Global Executive Director