On Wednesday 8 November from 1.30pm, Sasha will be in conversation with Marina Mahathir live at the Attenborough Centre, exploring women’s rights, religious freedom and freedom of speech.

Marina is a Malaysian political activist and writer. Named 2010 UN Person of the Year, she is an AIDS advocacy worker, and was President of the Malaysian AIDS Council for 12 years.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil said: “I was delighted to meet Marina on my recent visit to Malaysia, and to learn about her courageous life and hugely impactful work. She is a fantastic example of the amazing graduates that Sussex produces – people committed to driving positive social change right across the globe. Women of vision like Marina are vital at this complex moment in history and I am very much looking forward to discussing some of the current challenges of the world with her. I hope you will join us.”

Marina obtained her BA in International Relations at the University of Sussex in 1979 and was awarded an Honorary Degree by the University in 2018. She also graduated with a Masters in Biography and Creative Non Fiction with distinction in 2022 from the University of East Anglia.

A fearless voice for women’s rights, gender equality, religious freedom and justice, Marina also served on the board of Sisters in Islam, which advocates for justice and equality for Muslim women, for six years and currently chairs the board of Musawah, the global movement for justice and equality in the Muslim family. Marina has also produced TV programmes, feature films and a documentary and founded Zafigo.com, a website for women and travel. In November 2021, Penguin Random House SEAsia published her memoir The Apple and the Tree.  Marina is also the recipient of several awards from Malaysia and France.

Book your space now.