Source: East Africa Business Week
Winifred (winnie) Byanyima, a Grassroots activist, human rights advocate, senior international public servant, and world recognized expert on women's rights, has been appointed Executive Director of Oxfam International - a role that provides strategic direction and coordination for the worldwide confederation of Oxfam affiliates.

Ms Byanyima has held roles that reinforced the governance of the African Union, and she influenced the international agenda at the United Nations and through her leadership in many coalitions of civil society organizations.

She is recognized for extensive work in peace-building, budget and electoral reform, and building social coalitions.

She is an authority on the gender dimension of climate change, economic policymaking, and social and economic equality. In her earlier career, she founded a still-thriving NGO in Uganda and served three terms as a member of the Ugandan parliament.

From April, Ms Byanyima will lead Oxfam International, which offers strategic guidance, support, expertise and coordination across Oxfam.

Oxfam works with people in 94 countries to find effective ways to end the injustice of poverty. Through its 17 affiliates, Oxfam provides humanitarian relief in crisis, empowers poor and marginalized people to gain social and economic equality, and campaigns for a more just world.

Ms Byanyima was selected after a global search, led by the Chair of Oxfam International, Keith Johnston, with the help of an international executive search firm.

"In an outstanding field of candidates, Winnie stood out as exemplifying Oxfam's values and ambitions," he said.

• Uganda