Initiative for Equality
The Initiative for Equality is a non-governmental organization that manages a network to address what it deems to be “global inequalities.” The network purports to include over 1,000 members and operate in more than 130 countries. The Initiative for Equality’s programs promote left-of-center concepts like “community empowerment, participatory economies, and collective action” around the world. 1
Contents
The Institute for Equality was founded in July 2011. 2
Background
The Initiative for Equality is a global network that promotes what the group considers to be more “equal” and “participatory” societies. It claims to have about 1,400 activist members and partner organizations in more than 130 countries. 3
The organization holds field hearings and creates action groups to advocate policies it believes will bring about greater social, economic, and political equality. 1 The group says it supports “democratic economic initiatives” that hold governments accountable through activism. 1
As of 2023, Alliance for Global Justice was the fiscal sponsor of the Initiative for Equality. 4 The Initiative for Equality also had noted on its website as of 2025 that it had partnered with 300 local and national civil society organizations in 80 countries to conduct field hearings, which included the Alliance for Global Justice. 5
Activism
The Initiative for Equality claims to promote “more equitable political and economic systems” and promotes citizens’ monitoring of governments and corporations. The initiative says it helps civil society groups around the world share information and develop activist strategies. 6
The organization contends the only way to improve the lives of “poor, socially excluded or marginalized” people is to ensure the can fully participate in governance. 6
In promoting citizen monitoring of government, the organization follows a four-step model. The first step is to listen to community members. The second step is to convene discussion on community-led development. The third step is to establish what it calls “community empowerment groups.” The fourth step is to bring in experts to provide guidance and advice for the community empowerment groups. 7
In 2015, the Initiative for Equality asked more than 500 of the poorest communities in 80 countries “what they want and need.” Communities cited problems such as environmental degradation, corruption, economic uncertainty, social problems and conflicts as well as worsening socioeconomic inequality. 3
Leadership
As of 2025, American activist Deborah S. Rogers was the president of the Initiative for Equality, which she founded. Rogers previously founded and directed the Technical Information Project, an environmental nonprofit. She previously reported for the Lakota Journal newspaper. She also directed the Walking Forward Lakota health disparities project. She also previously worked for the United Nations in Bonn for one year. 8
As of 2025, Nigerian activist Temitope Olaifa was the chair of the board of directors for the Initiative for Equality. At the time, she was also coordinating the peace and strategic studies and the Security and Intelligence Studies Program of the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Nigeria. She is a training consultant on peace, security and governance issues for ActionAid, for Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, for the West African Network for Peacebuilding, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (British Council), and for the United Nations Development Program. Temitope is a member of the West African Action on Small Arms and a consultant on environmental education with the Federal Ministry of Environment Nigeria. 8
As of 2025, Brazilian activist Luiz Ferraro was the vice chair of the board of directors for the Initiative for Equality. From 2000 to 2019, Ferraro was a professor of environmental sciences and sustainable development at the State University of Feira de Santana. From 2012 to 2019, he was superintendent of environmental research for the Secretary for the Environment of the Brazilian federal state of Bahia. 8
As of 2025, Australian activist Daniel Mathews was the secretary of the board of directors for the Initiative for Equality. At the time, he was also a senior lecturer in the School of Mathematics at Monash University in Melbourne. 8
As of 2025, American activist Elissa Roy was the treasurer of the board of directors for the Institute for Equality. Previously, she worked with Partners in School Innovation, the Women’s Foundation of California; University of California, Berkeley; and Community Action Marin. 8