- fairuzahmed
The Parasol Cooperative Welcomes New Member to the Board of Directors.
Updated: May 5, 2021
The Parasol Cooperative is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Maria Butler, Global Director of Programmes at Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, as their new member of the Board of Director.
Ms. Butler works in peacebuilding, policy and programmes. Passionate about making movements and organizations stronger to promote equality, dignity and peace, Maria is committed to amplifying the work of women and advocates locally and globally. Maria will bring her practical, strategic-policy, learning, and programming skills to support The Parasol Cooperative.
"Now, is the time for our generation to work together to end systemic inequalities, to support those suffering from violence and fear. In the midst of this global crisis, acts of solidarity have shone bright- The Parasol Cooperative is one of those lights led by survivors for survivors. I am thrilled to be a part of it."
-Ms. Butler
As the Director of Global Programmes at the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), the oldest women’s peace organization in the world, where Maria has worked since 2010, she oversees the Feminist Peace strategic plan and advocacy with the United Nations. She has led new innovations including the development of the first mobile app on Women, Peace and Security in 2011.
Maria is a mother of two, an Attorney-at-Law and a member of the New York State Bar and holds a Master's in Human Rights from the London School of Economics. Among other roles she serves, Maria is a member of the Oversight Group of Ireland’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
"It is an honor and a privilege to welcome Maria as a Board member. Working with a global team her expertise is deep-rooted in serving a wide range of demographics in the gender equality, women issues and human rights sector which will be an asset for us."
- Ms. Ahmed, Co-Founder of The Parasol Cooperative
Ms. Butler's expertise and experience working in the non-profit sector, specifically her experience with gender inequality and policy in the United States and around the globe will help the organization ensure alignment on key issues she has observed with gender based violence. This focus will help The Parasol Cooperative align more closely to the UN's Sustainability Goal for Gender Equality allowing them to serve organizations better, help foster peace and protect life through the use of technology.
Ms. Shah, CEO and Board Chair said in a statement expressing her excitement and joy about this appointment: "Maria is not only a long time friend, but also an amazing advisor I have leaned on since we conceived the idea of Parasol. She has been an integral voice and part of our progress, I am thrilled that she accepted the role. I look forward to shaping the future of The Parasol Cooperative with her."