Ms Nayomi Kannangara

Ms Nayomi Kannangara is the Chief Executive Officer of the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA), Australia’s only development agency focused exclusively on gender equality. As the first woman of colour to lead IWDA in its 40-year history, Ms Kannangara brings a unique perspective and a deep commitment to feminist principles and systemic change.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Ms Kannangara moved to Australia as a young adult on a prestigious AusAid scholarship for academic excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University and a Master’s degree in International Development from Deakin University. As a first-generation migrant woman, her lived experiences inform her leadership and drive for inclusivity in the international development sector.

With over two decades of experience, Ms Kannangara has held key technical and leadership roles at organisations such as Save the Children International, Plan International Australia, Oxfam, and ChildFund US. Most recently, she served as Head of Global Programs at Save the Children Australia, where she demonstrated strategic acumen and a commitment to fostering gender equity and cultural diversity.

Under Ms Kannangara’s leadership, IWDA continues to challenge traditional models of development by partnering with diverse women’s rights organisations in Asia and the Pacific. Through innovative funding models, advocacy, and knowledge sharing, the organisation seeks to amplify feminist movements and dismantle systemic barriers to gender equality. Ms Kannangara’s vision for IWDA is grounded in decolonial approaches to international development, striving to address the power imbalances that perpetuate inequality. Her leadership is shaping IWDA’s strategy for a more inclusive and sustainable future, driven by the belief in a world where gender equality is a reality for all.