Who Is Alka Raza? New Chairperson Of Centre For Gender Equality

Alka Raza, a noted journalist and novelist, has been named chairperson of the Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusive Leadership (CGEIL) at XLRI - Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur. The centre was founded in March last year with the goal of empowering women by encouraging female participation in economically productive activities.

Alka Raza through her Facebook shared, "I have joined the Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusive Leadership (CGEIL) of XLRI as its Chairperson, based in Delhi NCR. XLRI is the oldest and a leading B- school in India."

Welcoming the new chairperson, XLRI director Father Paul Fernandes said, "It is a privilege and honour to welcome Alka Raza, a renowned media professional and academic, to the XLRI family. We are glad to have her as part of the Centre with 35-plus years of experience spanning continents. She brings vast experience to the institution, covering major socio-political and economic crises worldwide. Her significant contributions to addressing women's issues and human development are bound to add value to our teachings."

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Here is 10 things to know about Alka Raza:

1. Alka Raza, who was born in India, has visited over 70 countries. She, along with her husband Shariq Bin Raza and son Sahil Raza, returned to India in 2009 to reside in the village of Katha in Uttar Pradesh where she works for the impoverished, particularly young girls.
2. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and English from the University of Delhi, as well as Post-Graduate studies in Management. She has also completed advanced studies in Human Rights and Peace Research at the International Institute of Human Rights in Strasbourg and the University of Oslo/Peace Research Institute of Oslo, respectively.
3. In a professional career spanning more than 25 years, Alka Raza, a journalist, writer, and worldwide media and communication expert, has extensive, diverse, and adaptable expertise in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.
4. Raza worked as a West Africa Correspondent for Deutsche Welle Radio (Spanish Service) in Africa from 1996 to 2001, covering major socioeconomic and political events in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, including the OAU Summits of Heads of States and Governments from Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, and Nigeria.
5. She also reported for Radio Exterior of Spain on Nigeria's historic presidential elections and the country's transition to democracy after decades of military control (English Service).
6. She also worked for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), West Africa Communication Network – Nigeria, as a media consultant.
7. She founded and oversaw the Televisa Bureau in Amman, where she covered the Gulf War, the Middle East crises, the peace process, and all major events in the region during this time period.
8. Raza worked as a Visiting Foreign Correspondent for ORF TV in Austria in 1990 while travelling through Europe. During the Gulf Crisis, she also contributed news, features, and articles on OPEC and UN Agencies from the UN Office in Vienna.
9. Raza worked as a journalist and sub-editor with United News of India (UNI), New Delhi (June 1982-June 1986), where she covered all major national, regional, and international events. During this time,
10. Raza authored and edited two books: "OUR PEOPLE O!" (co-authored with Susan Hardy Twaddel, United States), a collection of interview-based human-interest stories with older people in Nigeria tracing the great tradition of oral history in the cult and "Myths of Female Genital Mutilation" is a research-based study/work on this dangerous traditional practise, which is largely practised in Africa, with a concentration on Nigeria.