Stacey-Leigh Manuel serves as the deputy director of the Women’s Rights Division at Human Rights Watch, steering the division’s strategic initiatives while nurturing a vibrant team and forging alliances with global organisations committed to gender justice. Her leadership is characterised by a profound commitment to elevating women’s rights on the world stage.
Before joining Human Rights Watch, Manuel honed her expertise at Open Society Foundations as a senior program manager focusing on Sexual Rights and Reproductive health, particularly advocating for marginalised groups such as sex workers in Western Europe and Southern Africa. Here, she played a pivotal role in a substantial portfolio within the China in the World initiative, fostering partnerships aimed at climate justice across the Global South.
Manuel also contributed as the inaugural program manager for Equitable Policies in New Jersey, a pooled fund supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. In this capacity, she crafted trust-based grantmaking strategies and built bridges with advocacy and policy organisations to promote racial and health equity in the region.
Bringing a wealth of legal knowledge, Manuel’s past roles include serving as an attorney for the Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) and the Women’s Legal Centre in South Africa, where her efforts revolved around strategic litigation and advocating for legal protections for vulnerable groups. Her legal advocacy is underscored by a steadfast commitment to social justice.
Educationally equipped with a Master of Law (LLM) in Public Law from the University of Cape Town and a Bachelor of Law from the University of the Western Cape, Manuel combines scholarly excellence with hands-on experience in her mission to effect systemic change and empower women worldwide.
Stacey-Leigh Manuel is the deputy director at Human Rights Watch, leading initiatives in the Women’s Rights Division. Previously, she managed programmes focused on sexual rights at Open Society Foundations and advanced racial and health equity in New Jersey. Her advocacy work is strengthened by a solid legal background, having worked with organisations dedicated to protecting vulnerable communities.
Stacey-Leigh Manuel exemplifies leadership in championing women’s rights through her strategic roles at Human Rights Watch and prior positions. Her focus on marginalised communities, coupled with robust legal expertise, positions her as a powerful advocate for gender justice and equity. With a commendable academic background and impactful experience, she is dedicated to fostering systemic change and global partnerships.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
