Sandra Pepera is NDI’s new director for Gender, Women and Democracy. NDI’s programs empower women to participate, compete and lead as equal and active partners in democratic change.

She joined NDI after 18 years in international development and diplomacy, including 13 years at the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID). Prior to DFID, she served as a political analyst for Africa at the Commonwealth Secretariat and spent time in British domestic politics. She was also a lecturer at the University of Ghana.

“You know, some of us who do this work long enough, we’re lucky,” Pepera said. “Every now and again, we know that we’ve made a difference. And I know that NDI makes a difference around the world, and I’m very excited to be part of that.”

In an interview with NDI, Pepera discussed her motivations, her program plans and the importance of women’s political participation around the world.

Published December 11, 2014