Image: Dr Amrita Kapur
Dr Kapur, from Australia, is a highly regarded intersectional feminist leader. With over 18 years of experience in justice, security, and peacebuilding, she is a gender expert specialising in conflict-affected contexts. As a domestic and international lawyer dedicated to transformational change, Dr Kapur has spent 15 years providing strategic, operational and policy-driven expertise, along with research and capacity-building support. She has worked with international organisations, governments and civil society entities in more than 20 countries. She has deep experience in the MENA region, spanning Yemen, Libya, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria; and Ukraine.
“It is a privilege to have the chance to contribute to WILPF at this challenging time, where feminist advocacy is needed more than ever to challenge the root causes of violence with a transformative vision for peace”, said Dr Kapur.
Most recently, in her capacity as the Head of the Gender Section at UNRWA and institutional gender lead, Dr Kapur developed the Agency’s Gender Strategy (2023-28) and Gender Action Plan, and led on Agency-wide gender priorities, including with donor States. She previously facilitated Track 1.5 and Track 2 peacebuilding dialogue sessions at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance, complimenting her gender expertise in transitional justice, international criminal justice and the WPS Agenda.
“We are thrilled to have Amrita as the new WILPF Secretary General . Her skills and expertise will undoubtedly strengthen our movement and our vision for sustainable peace”, said Sylvie Ndongmo, WILPF International President.
Dr Kapur takes over this role from Madeleine Rees who was the Secretary- General of WILPF for 14 years.