Dudu has been committed to working within the social justice sectors for the past 25 years. Her passion is to promote and advocate for strategic issues concerning socio-economic transformation, social justice and citizen-led community development. She has held leadership positions in various organisations, most recently in work that advances the rights of people with disabilities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English, Psychology and Sociology.

With 16 years of serving in the management and governance of various NGOs, Roger’s commitment to social justice has seen him work across sectors, and is particularly interested in strategic leadership, management and organisational development within NGOs. He has served at the helm of four organisations, and is currently the Managing Director at James House, an organisation focussing on advancing children’s rights and youth development. Roger has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human and Social Studies, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Management Practice

Janet is a human rights defender with a strong commitment to citizen-led initiatives that reclaim community power and agency. As Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development, and as General Secretary of the Southern African Peoples’ Solidarity Network, Janet is deeply involved with social movements and community-driven work on economic justice. She holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations.

Laurel has a particular passion for gender justice, human rights advocacy, education, and supporting others to grow and explore new perspectives She has worked predominantly with the fields of land rights, food and nutrition security, community and economic development and HIV/AIDS, and is currently the Director of the Association for Rural Advancement. Laurel has an Honours Degree in Gender Studies.

Since the early 1970’s, Jessie’s commitment to human rights and social justice has been rooted in activism. From mobilising against apartheid to fighting corruption, she has agitated for community agency and action against gender-based violence, youth unemployment and for the rights of migrants and refugees. Jessie is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg and has a Doctorate in Social Work.

With a deep connection to and involvement with workers’ struggles, Helga has infused those experiences into her work with young people. Through her work in education, she has developed programmes that promote creative thinking and innovate mindsets to nurture young people’s capability to traverse their complex emotional and psychological landscapes. She holds a Master’s Degree in Development Studies, and is a freelance development consultant.

Ashmeer’s extensive experience in financial and project management stands him in good stead as the Director of Development Services at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Southern Africa. He brings his knowledge of community development and experience in the faith sector into the role of Acting General Secretary of ELCSA. He is also the Chairperson of the Southern Africa Regional Forum of ACT Alliance. Ashmeer has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree.

Barbara is a passionate gender equality and child’s rights champion and experienced leader in the international non-profit sector. She has worked in various contexts in Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, South Asia and the Pacific, and is a Goodwill Ambassador for PUSH Women Network in Zambia. She holds a Master’s Degree in Economics, and is presently the Global Head of Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for Amnesty International.

Uta has a strong commitment to community struggles for justice, is a human rights activist and has worked in solidarity with organisations on the African continent. She is currently the Programme Manager for South Africa and Deputy Head of Southern Africa desk at Bread for the World, and is the ex-officio representative of the European partners. Uta holds a Master’s Degree in African Studies, Political Science and Anthropology.