Miatta Paula Thomas is an experienced social worker, policy analyst and social protection specialist. She has over 8 years of experience managing programs for underserved women and children. Miatta holds a Master of Social Work degree from China Women’s University in Beijing and a bachelor’s degree with Honours in Political Science from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone.

As Executive Director of Allies in Development Miatta has led the organization to reach over 15,000 women, girls and families with advocacy and violence prevention education. Above and beyond this, she facilitates partnerships with government and non-governmental actors. This includes two service level agreements with the Ministry of Social Welfare, and Family Support Unit of the Sierra Leone Police.

‘Miatta is a member of Every Woman Treaty Coalition, an international coalition of over 2000 women’s rights activists from over 128 countries working to advance a global binding norm on violence against women. She is also a member of SVRI Faith and Violence against Children Committee, an international coalition of activists and organizations engaging with faith and faith actors in Africa to build societies where children can thrive without violence.At the national level, Miatta is a member of the Women’s Forum Network, a coalition of women leaders and organizations working to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in Sierra Leone.