01 October 2015
Banjul–The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa announces that Gaye Sowe, the Institute’s Director of Programs, has been appointed as Executive Director by the Board of Directors. Gaye replaces Katherine Mulhern, who was Interim Executive Director and is returning as Vice Chair of the Board of the Institute. Gaye, who has a wealth of experience as a human rights litigator, has worked with the IHRDA for 10 years in a variety of roles. Gaye will continue to build upon the IHRDA’s strong track record of promotion and defense of human rights in the African regional system.
Following the appointment, Gaye said, “I am delighted with this promotion and very much am looking forward to working with the dynamic team of the IHRDA, building on our recent successes and continuing the important work of the Institute in the African human rights system, both as defenders of rights and educators in the fast changing human rights field. I am very much looking forward to continuing the work with the funders, the board and other international and local NGOs to continue this excellent work. I have worked in various capacities at the Institute for 10 years, and am very much looking forward to continuing this important work.”
On her part, Katherine remarked, “Working as Interim Executive Director and working with the excellent management team to strengthen the Institute has been a very rewarding experience. I am delighted with the choice of Gaye as Executive Director who brings a wealth of experience both in relation to human rights litigation and the Institute. I have very much enjoyed working with Gaye this past year as part of senior management and I am very much looking forward to continuing to work with him and the rest of the Institute’s excellent team when I return as Vice Chair of the Board. Given his wealth of experience with the Institute and the strong support of the Board, I expect that this transition will be a smooth one.”
Gaye has significant litigation experience at both the national and African regional level. Prior to becoming Executive Director, Gaye was Director of Programs, and, prior to this, the Senior Legal Officer. Before joining the IHRDA, Gaye worked with the Gambian Judiciary as a Principal Magistrate and Acting Judicial Secretary. Gaye studied in the University of Essex’s International Human Rights Law programme (LLM), and at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (LLB Honours), as well as at the Nigerian Law School (BL). Gaye was called to the Nigerian and Gambian Bars in October and November 2000 respectively.
