We’re delighted to introduce our newest Board member Sarah Goulding to The Hunger Project Australia family.
A global leader in gender equality, disability rights and inclusive development, Sarah led the creation of Australia’s new international strategies in these areas and has represented Australia on high-level boards including Gavi, the Green Climate Fund and the UN Partnership for the Rights of People with Disabilities.
She recently joined the University of Canberra as a Research Associate in 2024 after more than two decades with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
We sat down with Sarah to find out a bit more about her story, and connection to our work.
1. Welcome Sarah to the THPA Board! How did you first hear about The Hunger Project?
As someone who spent years working in international development, I heard about The Hunger Project a long time ago, as an organisation grounded in community led poverty alleviation, that supported communities to make long-term change. I heard how impressive the work in Epicentres in Africa was from a donor in late 2023, at a time when I was really interested in models of effective locally-driven change. When I moved into a new research role at the University of Canberra, after twenty one years with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, I was delighted to be able to join the THPA Board in late 2024.
2. What was it about our work that resonated so strongly with you?
There are three things that really stood out to me.
First: the absolute clarity of focus on a deeply connected approach addressing hunger. It is never just about food, it is always about the complex interplay of access to safe water, to health services, to education, to increased incomes in an increasingly complex world affected by climate change, conflict and inequality.
Second: the long term commitment and leadership in communities that is reflected in decisions in homes. It’s in the confidence a parent has to send a child to school that is a litmus test of success. In that most local and personal of family household decisions, when communities come together and make decisions together, you are seeing real change in individual lifestyles that is amplified in community.
Third: the focus on gender equality and climate resilience. All communities are facing increased challenges with the impacts of climate change, and there will be no effective adaptation if we don’t address gender and social inequality at the same time.
3. Is there a particular program or part of our work that you love?
The work I am excited about the most and find really impressive is the work on gender equality. The approach that THP has developed connects the immediate needs in communities for water and sanitation, food security, incomes, health and education to the importance of equality of opportunity. And the data THPA has, that resilient communities have made long term reductions in the rate of child marriage, increased girls education, increased access to ante natal care, increased business opportunities for women, at the same time as communities and families are empowered as a whole. That is extraordinary impact.
4. This is a get to know you – tell us three quick facts about yourself!
I’ve spent 21 years working in international development for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and was Vice Chair of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, a role I held during the pandemic.
I’ve had a lifelong passion for addressing gender inequality in international development.
I’ve developed a deep love of native Australian orchids, which I love spotting while hiking in the bush.
5. What are you most excited about in the 5 Year Strategic Plan? How will your particular skills help bring it to life?
The element that excites me the most is the level of ambition. Being part of an organisation that is stepping up to the challenges of inequality, conflict and climate crisis to break the cycle of hunger and extreme poverty for millions of people. My skills in strategy, risk, public policy, and assessing impact I hope will support the Board as the organisation in Australia steps up to this ambition, and navigates increasing uncertainty to support communities lead change.
6. What advice would you give to someone who is considering joining a not-for-profit Board?
I would say the opportunity to support an organisation working internationally is a privilege. THPA directly benefits the lives of people living in extreme poverty for the long term, changing lives and futures in countries like Malawi, where 70% of the population live on less than $US2 a day.
7. And lastly – finish this sentence “When I give, it brings me ….”
When I give, it gives me humility, that I can support people as they lift themselves and each other up.