Maha Abdo

Kylie Kwong celebrates the individuals helping to grow a stronger community. This month, we meet the CEO of Muslim Women Australia, Maha Abdo OAM, whose leadership has spanned decades of social justice advocacy.

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IN THE 1980s, MAHA ABDO OAM WAS A MOTHER of four seeking to navigate her identity as a Muslim woman living in Sydney – something she had struggled with since migrating from Lebanon as a young girl. She visited the Muslim Women's Association (which has since been renamed Muslim Women Australia) in the suburb of Lakemba hoping to find answers, and ended up staying on as a volunteer. Today, she leads the organisation as their CEO, a role she has held for 25 years.

“I first came to the Association because I wanted to understand the differences between cultural and religious practices, and to be equipped to bring up my children in Australia,” Abdo explains. Looking back, she says it’s one of the best things she has ever done. “It was amazing – like a door opened for me. I found a space where I had a lot to offer.”

The Muslim Women's Association started life in a small cottage, which a group of dedicated women transformed into an inviting meeting place – painting walls, sharing meals and offering support. Very quickly, it became a hub for connection and care.