After 15 successful years at MSI, Chris Turner left MSI in January this year. We are happy to announce his successor, Merewyn Foran. While Merewyn gets to know MSI, we wanted to give you the chance to get to her know her, so we have interviewed her below.
What was it about working at MSI Asia Pacific that appealed to you?
I am passionate about equality and fairness in our global community. I believe that a community is only strong when its most marginalised people have equal opportunities. This includes women in the critical area of sexual and reproductive health care.
It is unacceptable that millions of women and girls globally still do not have access to contraception, family planning services or safe abortion care.
I was inspired by the opportunity to lead the MSI Asia Pacific team to empower and make a difference in the lives of women in communities worldwide.
What are you most excited about with the role?
I am excited by the opportunity to raise awareness of the vital work that MSI does and to engage more donors than ever before in enabling us to achieve our bold vision – that by 2030 no abortion will be unsafe and every individual who wants access to safe contraception will have it. I am looking forward to leading the MSI Asia Pacific team and, alongside the 9,000 colleagues of ours across the global MSI partnership, drive towards achieving our mission.
Why are sexual and reproductive health and rights important to you?
When women and girls have control over their sexual and reproductive health it gives them choice and agency over their own life. The choice of having or continuing an education, when to have a family and the opportunity to work and earn an income. The opportunity for every individual to be empowered with choice is critical to equality and justice for all – something that I feel passionate about.
Where have you worked before MSI Asia Pacific?
I am an experienced executive leader with more than two decades experience across the not-for-profit sector including at World Vision, RSPCA, Hanover Welfare Services and most recently at Hagar Australia in the role of Executive Director. With experience in leadership, fundraising and philanthropy, governance, operational management, communications and stakeholder engagement I am passionate about leading high performing teams that make a difference in our world, particularly in some of the most disadvantaged communities globally.
What would you like to see change for women, girls and their families around the world?
I would like to see gender equality for all, regardless of where a person lives.
Do you have a message for our donors and supporters?
I am grateful to the donors and supporters who have journeyed with us to-date on our mission- it is only through partnership with you that we have been able to positively impact the lives of millions of women and girls. Thank you! I invite you to continue to join and partner with us as we strive to grow our impact at scale, so that millions more women and girls can benefit. If you would like to talk to me (or anyone in the team) about how you can partner with us, please reach out – I am always open to a chat over a good coffee (or chai)! You can stay in touch with our work and impact by subscribing to our e-newsletter or following us on Facebook.