In August, Maitri Morarji will join Foundation for a Just Society as the director of programs, a newly created position that will shape and strengthen our programmatic and philanthropic advocacy strategies. We spoke to Maitri about her approach to moving more and better resources to the women, girls, and LGBTQI people who catalyze change in their communities and countries.
"If philanthropy takes an approach that is only about surviving this moment, then we are not doing enough. This is a moment where movements are ready for bolder risks and bigger investments. It is a moment for philanthropy to be brave."
"We work in an environment that’s increasingly unpredictable, and sometimes it feels like we are fighting against the wind. But we continue to catalyze broad-based, proactive support for securing the human rights of LGBTQ people in West Africa."
"We know how important it is to inform young people about the laws that protect them. We continue to advocate to show the authorities that young people are demanding their rights."
"The meaningful and full participation of women is vital. True insight into the cause and effect of human rights violations — and thus what is required for them to come to an end — can only come from those directly impacted."
"We need to engage the young people who fall through the cracks, who have to try extra hard just to be seen. Our young people have found their voices, and are proud of their voices, but often their stories are used against them."