Press Statement | Immediate Release: Lawyers for Human Rights ushers in a new era of all-female leadership

Date: 07/04/2026


JOHANNESBURG —Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kayan Leung as its new Deputy Director effective 1 April 2026. This appointment marks a historic milestone for LHR, establishing the organisation’s first all-female executive leadership team. 

Kayan Leung is a multidisciplinary human rights lawyer with over 12 years of experience in strategic litigation and policy advocacy. At LHR, she has led high-impact programmes including focusing on gender equality, labour rights, and the protection of human rights defenders. As a recognised leader in the social justice sector, her appointment follows a deliberate commitment to institutional stability and transformative feminist leadership, ensuring the organization remains resilient against the increasing pressures facing human rights bodies globally. 

The inception of an all-female executive team signals a transformative chapter for LHR. This shift is anchored in the organization’s values as a people-centered, feminist institution. As Deputy Director, Kayan will work alongside National Director Nabeelah Mia to oversee organizational operations, strengthen donor relationships, and guide national and international litigation strategy. 

Commenting on the appointment, Nabeelah Mia, National Director of LHR, said: 

Kayan’s appointment is a conscious step toward a more inclusive and resilient leadership model. She brings a rare combination of institutional memory and principled leadership. Together, we will lead LHR into its next chapter, ensuring we remain rooted in the needs of the communities we serve”. 

ENDS 

For further information or interview requests, please contact: info@lhr.org.za or Mpho@lhr.org.za

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