Ayaa Irene Lokang is Principal of Media Development Institute (MDI), the training wing of the Association for Media Development In South Sudan (AMDISS), a member based media advocacy organization that promotes professional excellence in journalism and media practice and advocate for a free, independent and democratic society. Prior to her current assignment, Irene worked as Media Development Officer of AMDISS, in which she actively coordinated several successful advocacy meetings and conferences for the passage of the three media bills into laws by the South Sudan Transitional National Legislative Assembly that later established the current three media bodies, namely; Media Authority, Access to Information Commission and South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC). In 2015, she was appointed in a presidential degree as a member of Media Authority, a body that regulates the media in South Sudan in recognition of her efforts in coordinating the advocacy for the passage of the media laws.

Ayaa is a co- founder and Chairperson of Female Journalists' Network (FJN)- South Sudan, a network that seeks to empower female journalists through training to develop their professional skills and to promote gender equality in and through the media.  She is also the Chairperson, Board of Directors of Sama FM 99.3, a community radio that serves the community of Juba with educative and peace programs that helps different communities live in harmony with each other.  

Ayaa is a dynamic female journalist passionate about the rights of journalists and an imminent advocate for gender equality, free press, freedom of expression and access to information. She formerly worked as a Gender Media Trainer/Consultant for Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), a Canada’s based media development organization for South Sudan program. She also worked as a short term media consultant for the World Bank Initiative and had worked as a freelance journalist and opinion writer on gender related issues. She was among the media professionals who initiated and spearheaded the formation of the National Editors Forum.

Ayaa holds a bachelor degree in Mass Communication from Kampala International University.