Faiza Ali- the feminist co-creator

Faiza has worked for non-profits for over 7 years. Prior to working at Womankind, Faiza led a national digital-health programme for women and children in Somalia.  

Faiza has also worked in grant management with Comic Relief on a diverse portfolio covering social investment, mental health, racial justice, gender and migration. Faiza spent most of her time managing the Power of Pop Fund (Pop Fund) dedicated to supporting British women-led organisations using popular culture to change narratives around race and migration. 

 Where would you cluster yourself in the feminist space? Are you an igniter, disrupter, defender, front-liner or sister? 

 I see myself as a sister working alongside partners who are committed to gender equality. Throughout my career I’ve been a supporter in the movement from funding organisations, to standing up to injustices such as discrimination and violence to setting up programmes focused on social justice.  

 Would you share with us some of your milestones and contributions in the feminism movement? 

In my previous role I had the privilege of co-designing initiatives in Somalia to support marginalised women access higher education. These were women affected by clan-based conflict leaving them vulnerable to economic setbacks such as lack of income and education opportunities. 

 I’ve also led an initiative focused on quality healthcare services for marginalised Somali women cushioning them from inequalities that have denied them accessible healthcare. These opportunities have allowed me to co-create behind the scenes working alongside innovators and disruptors in the movement at the fore-front of implementing women’s rights programmes. 

What are you celebrating on this Africa Day? OR Who are you celebrating on this Africa Day? 

 For me, every day is Africa Day. In this year’s celebrations- being an election year-  I am reminded of elections in many countries around the world and the opportunities we have to transform governance. I am celebrating bold women leaders who will be vying for political posts and those who’ve kept up in the struggle advocating for equality. 

 What would you like to reiterate in this year’s Africa day in relation to gender equality? And what’s your ideal Africa when it comes to realizing gender equality 

 For African women to rise we need to resource the revolution. There are still many challenges for women’s participation in politics, and this continues to hinder development across the continent. I see an Africa where women can vie for political posts without facing violence, stigma and discrimination. 

 Any special quote from feminist sisters or feminist respected leaders that you’d like to highlight on this Africa Day? 

Ellen Sirleaf Johnson: ‘’To girls and women everywhere I issue a simple invitation. My sisters, my daughters, my friends; find your voice’’