Feminist Leadership in Action: Azadi Announces Co-Leadership Model

Sophie, Faith & Mariam during the 2023 EST Exhibition

A love letter to shared power, survivor-led vision and leadership that listens, laughs & leads with heart.💚💛

From Sophie:

When Azadi was founded, succession was never an afterthought; it was a seed planted at the very beginning. We’ve always known that for this work to be truly liberatory, it must be led by people with lived experience at every level. Leadership by and for people with lived experience isn’t just a value,  it’s been the rhythm of our heartbeat, woven into the fabric of how we organize, care for one another, and imagine what’s possible. Succession, for us, is not just a transition - it’s a return, a renewal, a reaffirmation of our deep belief in community-rooted leadership and the fact that this kind of leadership has this value embedded in it. We grow, we change, we teach so that those who come after us can emulate these values and interpret them in their own language. 

This moment when I officially announce this co-leadership is continuation of that intention. This moment also is an indicator of a process we started three years ago. We have documented this and we have lessons. It’s a process that has changed all our lives but also has shown that the feminist values we preach can be implemented. It has not always been an easy journey but I would do it again. This moment is not just about a change in roles, but about growing deeper into who we are and what we stand for. I remain forever a member of the Azadi Community. 

To Faith: thank you for being the steadfast guide that has always lands my dreams. Thank you for interpreting those visions into workplans, processes and deadlines. I have said before that every dreamer should have a Faith. I am glad that the universe chose you to be this in my life. Thank you for also being gentle with me when we have not always seen things the same way, above all thank you for being a sister I can rely on. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us. Nakupenda sana. 

To Mariam: you have always told me that you are my legacy and I have always believed you. Thank you for daring to dream with me. Thank you for validating any discomfort I have felt in rooms. Thank you for always mentioning my name in every room you have stepped in. Thank you for disagreeing with me and challenging me. Thank you for challenging others to dream and to do.  I remain in awe of your journey as a leader and proud that the universe gave me a chance to shape some parts of it. Zuhura would be proud of us!  I love you. 

Our Journey to Co-Leadership

For us, this step is a reflection of what’s always been true: that our strength lies in collaboration, in shared values, and in our collective commitment to healing and transformation. Co-leadership isn’t a strategy, it's a practice of trust, relationship, and purpose.  We hope others can learn 

From Faith: Mentoring Mariam has been one of the most joyful and natural parts of my time at Azadi. Watching her grow, reflect, and lead with such heart and clarity has been deeply affirming. Of course, I didn’t walk this path alone. I’ve been guided by Sophie Otiende and my other feminist sisters and mothers, whose unwavering belief in survivor leadership continues to light the way. Her mentorship has left a lasting imprint on us both, and we carry that lineage forward with care and gratitude.

We are so appreciative of the constant, quiet guidance we receive from Sophie, from our friends, and most importantly, from our community. Every conversation, every tough question, every celebration these are the bricks that have built this moment.

From Mariam:This moment feels incredibly full-circle for me. I first came to Azadi not as a staff member, but as a survivor seeking connection, healing, and a place to belong. Over the years, I’ve walked many paths at Azadi as an advocate,membership lead, program lead,  each one expanding my love and responsibility to this work. What grounds me most is that my leadership has always been shaped by guidance from my mentors and deep love for my community

A Living, Learning Leadership

We’re figuring it out together, learning and unlearning, holding each other accountable, making room for bold ideas, and always, always returning to our roots: lived experience leadership, community care, and justice.

Leadership transitions can be tender. They can be messy. But they are also sacred. We don’t have every answer (and we don’t think we’re supposed to). What we do have is trust in each other, clarity in our vision, and an unwavering belief in the power of survivors to lead transformative change.

We also know we can’t and won’t do this alone. We will be leaning into the wisdom, grace, and strength of our people. And we hope you’ll continue walking with us, challenging us, and dreaming with us as we step into this next chapter.

To our partners and supporters: thank

you for believing in Azadi, in us, and in the movement we’re building together. We’re so grateful and excited to co-lead this next chapter, side by side, and heart by heart.

With Love & gratitude,

Sophie, Faith & Mariam