Rangita de Silva de Alwis is a Sri Lankan-American academic, lawyer, and prominent advocate for women’s rights, recognized for her tireless efforts to ensure equal representation of women across various sectors. With extensive experience spanning over 25 countries, she has collaborated with governmental organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions to promote human rights and women’s leadership globally. Her commitment to advancing gender equality has established her as a leading voice in the field.

In her role as Distinguished Advisor to the executive director of UN Women, de Silva de Alwis has campaigned vigorously for women’s rights, emphasizing the importance of women’s leadership in shaping policies that affect their lives. She has also served as a Leader-in-Residence at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Women and Public Policy Program and as a Senior Fellow at Harvard Law School’s Center on the Legal Profession, furthering her influence in academic and policy circles.

A noted researcher and expert, she has collaborated with Chinese gender and law experts and testified before the Congressional Executive Commission on China regarding women’s rights issues. De Silva de Alwis has convened several transnational networks, including the Women’s Leadership Network in Muslim Communities and the Gender and Law Expert Group in China, fostering collaboration and advocacy for women’s rights.

In addition to her impactful work, she was nominated by Sri Lanka as an independent expert for membership on the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), where she continues to champion the rights of women until 2026. Her multifaceted career embodies a profound dedication to creating equitable opportunities for women worldwide.