HelpAge picks gender and rights defender as its Regional Director for Africa

Nairobi, May 11, 2020: HelpAge International has appointed and welcomed Carole Agengo as the new Africa Regional Director, leading the organisation’s work to improve the wellbeing, dignity and voice of older women and men across the continent.

A gender and rights defender and international conflict management expert with more than 25 years’ experience in civil society, Carole Agengo will provide strategic direction for HelpAge International in Africa, working with its continent-wide network of members and partners.

She joins HelpAge at a key moment, taking charge of the organisation’s response to COVID-19 in Africa. Given the risk the virus poses to those over the age of 60, she will ensure that ageist policies are challenged and will be calling for all response to the pandemic to be inclusive and respectful of the rights older people.

“We are delighted to welcome Carole to HelpAge and are very pleased to have appointed someone with such a strong background in advocacy, programming, and in developing partnerships and networks fighting for human rights and justice. She will be able to bring these strengths to the HelpAge global network in realising the rights of older people and amplifying their voices in Africa,” said Cherian Mathews, Director of Global Impact and Resourcing at HelpAge International.

Older people need to be reflected in national and regional public laws, policies and programmes, including in development and humanitarian contexts. Carole Agengo will be responsible for ensuring the voice of older people is heard, leading a movement for political support and action.

“I am excited about joining HelpAge International and look forward to supporting the inclusion agenda that will ensure that the rights of older women and men get mainstreamed in all facets of sustainable development not only here in Africa ,but globally,” said Carole Agengo, Africa Regional Director for HelpAge International.

Carole Agengo joins HelpAge from Planned Parenthood Global (PP Global) where she was the Associate Regional Director, Policy and Advocacy. In that position, she covered strategic planning, fundraising, institutional development and evaluation of Planned Parenthood Global programmes in the Africa region, providing technical support to partner organizations in institutional, programmatic and financial aspects.

She takes over from Necodimus Chipfupa who served an Interim Regional Director for the previous six months.

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