Maria Vlahakis, Policy & Advocacy Manager Violence Against Women and Girls, Womankind Worldwide

Maria joined Womankind Worldwide in April 2018 as Policy & Advocacy Manager Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG), where she leads on its UK and international VAWG advocacy strategy in partnership with women’s rights organisations and movements. Maria has a background working on equalities policy and programming including a focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment in Africa and Asia. Prior to joining Womankind Worldwide she worked for VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) as Social Inclusion and Gender Adviser, strengthening programmes and organisational capacity, and before that as Senior Policy Adviser Women’s Empowerment advocating for women’s participation and leadership. She has previously worked in policy roles in the UK voluntary sector and UK Government.

Womankind Worldwide is a global women’s rights organisation working with women’s movements to transform the lives of women. Its vision is a world where the rights of all women are respected, valued and realised. It supports women’s movements to strengthen and grow by providing a range of tools, including technical support, communications, connectivity and shared learning, joint advocacy and fundraising.