- Lawyers for Human Rights appoints Kayan Leung as deputy director, creating its first all-female executive team.
- The organisation sees this move as part of a broader commitment to feminist and community-focused leadership.
- Leadership emphasises continuity, institutional memory, and advocacy centered on community needs.
Lawyers for Human Rights has entered a new phase of leadership with Kayan Leung’s appointment as deputy director. This decision establishes the group’s first all-female executive team and indicates a meaningful shift in its direction.
Effective 1 April 2026, this appointment is both a historic milestone and a strategic response to the changing demands faced by human rights organisations.
Leung has over a decade of experience in strategic litigation and policy advocacy. She has worked extensively on gender equality, labour rights, and the protection of human rights defenders.
"Within the organisation, she has already been a key player in leading impactful programmes, making her a representative of both continuity and change. Her appointment is part of a broader effort to ensure stability while deepening the organisation’s commitment to transformative feminist leadership," Lawyers for Human Rights said in a statement.
Leadership vision and organisational direction
The organisation has made clear that this change is based on its identity as a community-focused and feminist organization. In her new role, Leung will work alongside National Director Nabeelah Mia to oversee operations, strengthen donor relationships, and guide national and international litigation strategies. This focus on internal improvement and external advocacy shows an intention to remain responsive to growing challenges facing human rights groups.
The leadership transition is framed as an evolution, not a break from the past. The organization emphasises the need to maintain continuity while adjusting to a changing legal and social environment, especially as human rights work faces increasing scrutiny.
Response from leadership
Mia commented on the appointment, highlighting the strategy behind the decision. She said, “Kayan’s appointment is a conscious step toward a more inclusive and resilient leadership model.”
She added, “She brings a rare mix of institutional memory and principled leadership.”
Mia also emphasised the collaborative aspect of the new leadership, stating, “Together, we will guide LHR into its next chapter, ensuring we remain focused on the needs of the communities we serve.”
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