IWDA welcomes new Co-Chair

IWDA is delighted to announce the appointment of Kristen Wallwork as the new Co-Chair of the Board.

Kristen is a highly experienced social justice leader and a lawyer who has dedicated more than 20 years to serving local communities. She is currently the Executive Director of the South-East Monash Legal Service, where she leads an impact-driven team providing legal support, social support, community development and advocacy for marginalised communities.

A committed feminist, Kristen said she was looking forward to contributing to and co-leading IWDA’s Board.

“I am incredibly proud to join an organisation with almost 40 years’ experience in advancing a more just and equal world,” Kristen said.

“I look forward to working closely with my Board colleagues who all possess deep expertise in their fields, as well as a strong shared commitment to IWDA’s values,” she said.

A second Co-Chair will join Kristen in the coming months, solidifying IWDA’s commitment to a feminist co-leadership model which elevates lived experiences.

As we welcome new leaders, we extend our deep appreciation to IWDA’s outgoing Co-Chairs, Dr Betty Barkha and Kerry Gardner AM.

Betty and Kerry assumed their positions in 2021 as IWDA’s inaugural Co-Chairs, committed to a new way of leadership. Together, they explored how shared power and experiences can create more diverse and innovative ways of working.

As Co-Chairs, Betty and Kerry oversaw significant Board transformation and the appointment of IWDA’s new CEO Nayomi Kannangara.

Betty said her tenure as Co-Chair was a “full-circle moment”.

“Being introduced to feminism through IWDA’s investment in Fiji Women’s Rights Movement’s (FWRM) Emerging Leaders Forum was a pivotal moment in my journey,” Betty said. “I am incredibly honored to have had the chance to contribute to the organisation that played such a significant role in my own development and consequently to the regional and global feminist movement.”

“Though my time on the Board comes to a close, my commitment to the feminist movement burns brighter than ever. I’ll remain a steadfast advocate for IWDA’s vital work,” Betty said.

Kerry said she looked forward to seeing IWDA’s ongoing contributions to women and girls.

“I wish IWDA well for a sustainable and impactful future as it serves its purpose of gender equality for all,” she said.

“I will continue to serve on two global feminist boards supporting gender equality movements across the world and will therefore continue to connect with IWDA through this synergistic work. I wish our new CEO Nayomi Kannangara and her staff well as she leads the next phase of bold and impactful work.”