Why We Must Celebrate Leaders Like Faiza Jama Mohamed

In her latest article on Substack, our founder and CEO Hibaaq Osman talks about the incredible work of our colleague Faiza Jama Mohamed. Faiza’s example shows what can be achieved by caring, determined and dedicated people.

Karama partners Samia Melki Fessi (left) working alongside with Faiza Jama Mohamed

In the hardest times, it is more important than ever to recognize and celebrate the achievements of those dear to us.

As we learn again that our world can be turned upside down by the whims of selfish individuals, we should not lose sight of what can be achieved by generous, wise, and compassionate people. It becomes our responsibility to show our appreciation and celebrate those who we admire and who have made a positive impact on our lives.

My dear friend and one of the most inspirational people I have ever met, Faiza Jama Mohamed, recently stepped down from her role as Africa director of Equality Now. This was a role and an office that Faiza had created herself - expanding the work of this US-based rights organization into Africa, so its work to end discrimination under the law could reach across the continent.

I first worked with Faiza in our homeland of Somaliland, and I could see immediately that she was a visionary leader. Here was someone who commanded both respect and trust in huge measure. Even during the height of the civil war, Faiza had the credibility and the capability to achieve the unthinkable.