IWDA welcomes new board Co-Chair Sarah Goulding

Welcoming Sarah Goulding as new Co-Chair of IWDA’s Board

IWDA is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Goulding as Co-Chair of IWDA’s Board.

Sarah joined the Board in 2025 and now joins Co-Chair Dr Kar Mei Tang in this co-leadership position.

Sarah brings deep expertise on gender equality and development to IWDA, drawing on more than 21 years at DFAT where she specialised in health, education and gender equality, and had the privilege of being posted to Suva, heading the Australian Aid program to Fiji and Tuvalu.  She served for three years as Assistant Secretary and Principal Specialist for Gender Equality, leading the development of the 2025 DFAT International Gender Equality Strategy, the 2024 International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy, and the establishment of the Equality and Inclusion Fund.

Sarah represented Australia on the Boards of the Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, with four years as Vice Chair through the pandemic. She has also served on the Boards of the Green Climate Fund, the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ATscale – the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology – and the Tuvalu Trust Fund. Sarah is currently a Non-Executive Director of UNICEF Australia and The Hunger Project Australia, an Adjunct Fellow at the UNSW Centre for Social Impact and independent consultant.

“It is a privilege to step into this leadership role alongside Kar Mei,” Sarah said. “Since joining IWDA last year, I have enjoyed working closely with my fellow Board members and the organisation’s executive leadership” she said.

“I look forward to supporting IWDA and the work of our incredible partners who are driving transformational change. At this moment, IWDA’s vision is as critical as ever.”

IWDA farewells Kristen Wallwork

IWDA extends deep appreciation to outgoing Co-Chair Kristen Wallwork, who will depart the Board.

IWDA CEO Nayomi Kannangara thanked Kristen for her care and dedication.

“We are deeply grateful for Kristen’s thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to IWDA,” Nayomi said. “During her time on the Board, Kristen helped guide the organisation through an important period of transition and growth, including the development of our new Strategic Plan and the continued strengthening of IWDA’s governance and leadership,” she said.

“We wish Kristen all the very best and will always value her as a close friend of IWDA.”