Binaifer Nowrojee, a human rights attorney, has been appointed as the president of the Open Society Foundations, a philanthropic organization endowed by billionaire George Soros. Nowrojee, born in Kenya, currently serves as the foundation’s vice president of programs and will assume her new role in June, succeeding the current president, Mark Malloch-Brown.
Soros expressed his vision for a truly global Open Society Foundations, emphasizing the significance of Nowrojee’s appointment in realizing this aspiration. Nowrojee herself acknowledged the immense responsibility of leading the world’s largest funder of human rights during a challenging time for justice and compassion globally.
Alex Soros, chairman of the foundation, praised Nowrojee’s compassionate leadership and commitment to human rights advocacy, highlighting her extensive experience spanning over three decades. Nowrojee’s career at the Open Society Foundations has seen her hold various roles, including directorships in East Africa and the Asia Pacific region, as well as organizational leadership positions.
Her expertise in prosecuting sexual violence under international law, demonstrated by her involvement in landmark cases such as the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, has garnered recognition. Nowrojee’s personal involvement in the documentary “The Uncondemned” further underscores her dedication to advancing justice and human rights.
Nowrojee’s familial legacy in human rights extends to her father, Pheroze Nowrojee, an esteemed human rights lawyer in Kenya. The Nowrojee family’s migration from India to Kenya in 1896 is documented in Pheroze’s book, “A Kenyan Journey,” reflecting their enduring commitment to social justice.
The Open Society Foundations’ impact extends globally, including significant investments in India since 1999. Their initiatives in India focus on areas such as healthcare, education, and economic development, with investments in agricultural supply chain companies and start-ups aimed at benefiting marginalized communities and promoting sustainable development.
