Maha Abdo OAM has been with Muslim Women Australia (MWA), formerly the Muslim Women Association, for more than three decades.
Under Maha’s leadership, MWA provides advocacy, policy advice, community development and domestic violence support for women and children. In 2022 alone, it assisted women and children from more than 72 culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Maha began volunteering with MWA in the 1980s, becoming its first CEO in 2000. She guided the organisation through difficult times, including after the Lindt café siege, where she helped boost social cohesion through media appearances.
Maha’s work has helped provide new arrivals and other women with safety and assurance. She also works at a local, national and international level to advise governments on policy, services and strategies for Muslim and non-Muslim women.
A trained social worker, Maha’s contributions to human rights, equality and community cohesion have been recognised through numerous awards.