MSN chats with Ivy Josiah, the Executive Director of Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) in Malaysia in conjunction with International Women's Day on March 8.
Born in Brickfields in 1955 and lived there throughout her formative years, Ivy Josiah
first became a teacher and then an activist for women's rights before
she was the Executive Director of Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) in
Malaysia. Established in 1982, WAO is the first women's organisation in
Malaysia to provide shelter for battered women and their children. WAO
plays a lead role in advocacy work, public education and law and policy
reform on all aspects of women's human rights.
Ms. Josiah was a pioneer volunteer cum member of WAO and its past president (1990-1993) before taking on the position as the Executive Director in 1995. She has developed, promoted and implemented the WAO's shelter and counselling services, coordinated its public education programmes and advocacy work on the issue of violence against women and women's human rights
She has played a key role in initiating two NGO coalitions. In 2004, Article 11 was formed to uphold freedom of religion and in 2006 the Migration Working Group was established to protect the rights of migrants, refugees, and stateless persons.
In February 2004, she was appointed as a member of the Royal Commission to Enhance
the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysia Police and in 2009 she was a member of the government National Taskforce to investigate sexual abuse allegations of indigenous women (Penan Community) in Sarawak.
Ivy is involved in national, regional and international committees and initiatives to combat violence against women. Ivy is also a member of the arts community in Malaysia being a member of Five Arts Centre.
Other accolades:
1998 Joanne Drew Total Woman AWARD, Malaysia
2003 Tag Heur Alter Ego Woman of Distinction, Malaysia
2007 Woman of Courage, US State Department, USA
2007 Malaysia Tatler, Humanitarian Award
2008 Her World, Woman of the Year, Malaysia
2009 Rotary Vocational Award, Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur North
Hobbies: When I'm not busy, I enjoy reading, watching the television and this year, I plan to travel around Malaysia as much as I can.
One fun fact we don't know about you: I love curry puffs, I was a dancer and I am an excellent cook! I love cooking Indian dishes.
NEXT: Ivy Josiah's picks for MSN Malaysia
Ivy Josiah's picks:
Indian college turns illiterate women into engineers: Video
Happy International Women's Day! This video reminds me how women can do anything despite obstacles, a great initiative of Africa and India, two nations to watch out for.
Cheers and jeers for maids' day off in Singapore
Well done Singapore, it is a mature society that treats its women workers well. When will Malaysia follow?
Malaysians fail to reverse ban on gay festival
It is really important to keep reinforcing the belief being gay is ok; the courts have a duty to uphold the rights of ALL persons.
Himpunan 2.0 rally at Maju Junction Mall
Besides the fact that Lynas is a ticking bomb, I have to say, what a fabulous collection of photos of people power!
No regrets over apology to Afghans: US commander
It is always better to take the higher road.
Courtesy of Ivy Josiah
Ms. Josiah was a pioneer volunteer cum member of WAO and its past president (1990-1993) before taking on the position as the Executive Director in 1995. She has developed, promoted and implemented the WAO's shelter and counselling services, coordinated its public education programmes and advocacy work on the issue of violence against women and women's human rights
She has played a key role in initiating two NGO coalitions. In 2004, Article 11 was formed to uphold freedom of religion and in 2006 the Migration Working Group was established to protect the rights of migrants, refugees, and stateless persons.
Courtesy of Ivy Josiah
the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysia Police and in 2009 she was a member of the government National Taskforce to investigate sexual abuse allegations of indigenous women (Penan Community) in Sarawak.
Ivy is involved in national, regional and international committees and initiatives to combat violence against women. Ivy is also a member of the arts community in Malaysia being a member of Five Arts Centre.
Other accolades:
1998 Joanne Drew Total Woman AWARD, Malaysia
2003 Tag Heur Alter Ego Woman of Distinction, Malaysia
2007 Woman of Courage, US State Department, USA
2007 Malaysia Tatler, Humanitarian Award
2008 Her World, Woman of the Year, Malaysia
2009 Rotary Vocational Award, Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur North
Hobbies: When I'm not busy, I enjoy reading, watching the television and this year, I plan to travel around Malaysia as much as I can.
One fun fact we don't know about you: I love curry puffs, I was a dancer and I am an excellent cook! I love cooking Indian dishes.
NEXT: Ivy Josiah's picks for MSN Malaysia
Courtesy of Ivy Josiah
Indian college turns illiterate women into engineers: Video
Happy International Women's Day! This video reminds me how women can do anything despite obstacles, a great initiative of Africa and India, two nations to watch out for.
Cheers and jeers for maids' day off in Singapore
Well done Singapore, it is a mature society that treats its women workers well. When will Malaysia follow?
Malaysians fail to reverse ban on gay festival
It is really important to keep reinforcing the belief being gay is ok; the courts have a duty to uphold the rights of ALL persons.
Himpunan 2.0 rally at Maju Junction Mall
Besides the fact that Lynas is a ticking bomb, I have to say, what a fabulous collection of photos of people power!
No regrets over apology to Afghans: US commander
It is always better to take the higher road.
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