Shahd is a gender, peace and security specialist focused on bridging vital sectors to foster systemic change. In the third sector, she engages with communities through her roles with international NGOs, serving as the Programme Lead for Women, Peace & Security for Mercy Corps in Sudan, and as a Programmes & Partnerships Specialist for Girl Effect in Rwanda, Malawi, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Through this work, Shahd has collaborated with grassroots communities, governments and decision-makers – advancing programme, policy and advocacy initiatives related to gender, governance and peace.
In the private sector, Shahd has worked on corporate sustainability and social impact strategies through ESG and CSR with the Haggar Group in Sudan – bridging the gap between the private sector and the communities they profit from and impact.
Shahd has led complex programming in Sudan across tumulus scenarios, including coups and war – focusing on the resilience, recovery and social cohesion of local communities. In these roles, she has collaborated with both civil society and international organisations, dedicated to representing and empowering marginalised groups and advancing socio-economic initiatives in the pursuit of peace, equity and inclusive growth.
Shahd has a background in economics and is currently reading for an MSt in Social Innovation at the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School.
