Roberta Clarke, Board Chair, 2025
Roberta Clarke's photo is courtesy of Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos from Washington under this license.
In 2025, the global context in which Nobel Women’s Initiative works grew more complex and urgent. Escalating conflicts, shrinking civic space, and increasing attacks on human rights underscored the need not only for bold advocacy, but for resilient organizations capable of sustaining movements and supporting women leaders over the long term.
Throughout the year, the Board worked closely with NWI’s staff team and laureates to support the organization’s mission, provide strategic oversight and ensure that NWI remained responsive and grounded in a rapidly changing global landscape. The Board met five times throughout the year, focusing on organizational stewardship, strategic priorities, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
The Board also continued to support efforts to strengthen NWI internally. In 2025, NWI undertook a structured process focused on team health, alignment, and organizational culture, reinforcing ways of working rooted in care, trust, accountability and collaboration. This work strengthened internal cohesion and supported the organization’s ability to respond effectively in an increasingly demanding global context.
The Board also reviewed and approved the organization’s annual budget and financial statements, ensuring alignment with NWI’s strategic priorities and long-term sustainability. In a challenging funding environment, we remain committed to responsible stewardship of resources while maximizing impact across programs, staffing, operations, and advocacy. Supporting resource mobilization, effective governance, accountability and organizational sustainability remain a key priority for the Board.
2025 also marked an important step in the evolution of NWI’s governance. We welcomed Negina Yari to the Board. An alumna of the Sister-to-Sister program and a feminist leader from Afghanistan, Negina brings valuable lived experience and a strong connection to the communities at the heart of NWI’s work.
At a time of deep global uncertainty, the importance of NWI’s voice and the leadership of women peacebuilders has never been more urgent. We are deeply grateful to NWI’s staff, Laureates, partners, alumni, and supporters for their leadership, dedication, and continued commitment throughout the year. As a Board, we remain committed to supporting the organization’s mission and standing in solidarity with the courageous women and movements working every day for peace, justice, and equality.