New line up for WAO

(from left) Premalatha Govindasamy, Shoba Aiyar, Lee Jia Ping, Sumitha Shaanthinni Krishna, Yeow Ai Lin, Musfiza Mustapa, Majidah Hashim, Carol Chin and Divyananthini Manoharan. Photo: Women's Aid Organisation

To continue serving the community, especially women and children-in-crisis, Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) has recently elected a new Executive Committee for a three-year term from 2024 to 2026.

The newly-elected Executive Committee are: Sumitha Shaanthinni Kishna (president), Musfiza Mustapa (vice president), Majidah Hashim (secretary), Shoba Aiyar (assistant secretary), Divvyananthini Manoharan (treasurer), Carol Chin (assistant treasurer), and committee members Premalatha Govindasamy, Yeow Ai Lin, and Lee Jia Ping.

“Despite facing unprecedented challenges during the past few months, we remain steadfast in our resolve to serve and support survivors of gender-based violence,” says WAO's new president Sumitha.

Earlier this year in January, WAO's boat was rocked when seven out of eight former Exco members resigned en-mass; an interim committee was then formed until the annual general meeting was called late last month.

Sumitha assures that "WAO's mission to 'end violence against women, and to promote gender equality in Malaysia' remains firm".

“As WAO enters its 41st year, the new Executive Committee will bring a wealth of experience and dedication towards achieving this mission,” she adds.

Sumitha also expresses her gratitude to the outgoing Executive Committee and senior members for their steadfast leadership, and extends her appreciation to the dedicated staff and members who continue to drive WAO’s mission forward.

“We recognise the resilience and dedication of our staff and members, whose unwavering commitment is the cornerstone of our work,” she says.

According to Sumitha, the newly-elected Executive Committee is “poised to lead WAO into a future of growth and impact, with a focus on strengthening organisational capacity, fostering collaborations, and advancing strategic initiatives”.

And, as WAO embarks on this new chapter, the organisation looks forward to continued collaboration and support from its partners, stakeholders, and the broader community in advancing its vision of promoting gender equality, and making Malaysia a safer country for women and girls, she concludes.