Joanna Kerr

Three days into my job as Chief Executive of ActionAid International, I found myself sitting under a tree in southern Kenya, speaking with a group of Masai women.

Masai women are generally very oppressed. But these women were formidable leaders, formidable activists. Meeting them, seeing what they’ve achieved – that was truly inspiring for me.

And that's what ActionAid is about: giving everyone the opportunity to take charge of their lives.