Ghana-born Theo Sowa has lived and worked across Africa, Europe, the UK, and the US advising on women’s and children’s rights and social justice – as well as policy development and advocacy for a range of organizations including Save the Children and UNICEF.

As CEO of the African Women’s Development Fund from 2011 until December 2020, Theo led the organization through a period of increased reach, impact and influence in Africa, parts of the Middle East, and globally. She is now Co-Chair of the Equality Fund, member of the African Advisory Board of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Patron of Evidence for Development, and board member of the UBS Optimus Foundation; the Graça Machel Trust; and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa.

Theo holds a Master’s degree in International and Comparative Education from the Institute of Education, University of London. She was awarded a CBE in 2010 and the ‘Unlocking Big Change’ Award in 2021.