Women's Activist Toni Kassim dies
AWID is deeply saddened to share the news of the untimely passing of one of the bright stars in the women's and human rights movements, activist Toni Kassim, who died in Malaysia on 4 June 2008.
Toni was a well known, well-loved and passionate advocate on issues of social justice, women's rights and human rights. Those who had the pleasure of getting to know her will remember an energetic woman with quick wit and humour, a smart and analytical mind and a warm and beautiful smile. Toni was most recently involved as a researcher, trainer and writer with Sisters in Islam (SIS).
She entered Malaysian politics in 1999 and ran as the first independent women's parliamentary candidate in general elections on a gender platform. Her interests and advocacy spanned her involvement in theater and film, to issues of sexual rights, freedom of _expression_ and religion to institutional change and political accountability. Toni was running as an independent candidate for the 2008 elections, until she had to withdraw because of her illness.
Our profound condolences go out to her family, friends and colleagues. To read more about Toni Kassim's life and work please visit:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/4/nation/20080604152134&sec=nation
http://chinhuatw.wordpress.com/2008/02/07/whos-toni-kassim-the-womens-candidate/
http://www.sistersinislam.org.my/
