Few individuals leave behind a legacy so profound that their influence continues long after they have passed. One such individual is Puan Sri Sukumari Sekhar, a tireless advocate for women’s and children’s rights in Malaysia. Her lifelong dedication to social justice, education, and legal reforms played a crucial role in shaping Malaysia’s policies, ensuring that the voices of the marginalized were heard. Her work continues to inspire future generations, reinforcing the belief that one determined individual can indeed make a difference.
Early Life and Education of Sukumari Sekhar: The Foundations of a Visionary
Born on August 2, 1933, in Jalan Bandar Hilir, Malacca, Puan Sri Sukumari Sekhar (née Sukumari Nair) exhibited academic excellence from a young age. She pursued higher education at the prestigious University of Malaya in Singapore, where she studied in the Faculty of Arts.
Her time at university was not just about academics—it was where she built lifelong connections and developed a deep understanding of social issues. Among those who recognized her early potential was Tan Sri V.C. George, a distinguished legal figure, who recalled her as a bright and ambitious young woman.
Championing Women’s Rights: The Birth of a Movement
Sukumari Sekhar was a pioneer in Malaysia’s feminist movement, dedicating her life to gender equality and social justice. She co-founded and served as the deputy president of Malaysia’s National Council of Women’s Organizations (NCWO). Her leadership within the NCWO was instrumental in influencing policies that uplifted women across the nation.
Between 1967 and 1972, she served as the organization’s honorary assistant secretary-general, before stepping into the role of honorary secretary-general from 1972 to 1979. During this period, she spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at empowering women in education, employment, and politics.
One of her most significant contributions was chairing the National Education Conference on the Prevention of Drug Abuse in 1977. Recognizing the devastating impact of substance abuse on Malaysian youth, she took a bold stance against this growing menace. Her advocacy helped shape national strategies for tackling drug abuse, ensuring that education played a pivotal role in prevention.
A Voice for the Voiceless: Children’s Rights Advocacy
A strong advocate for children’s rights, Puan Sri Sukumari Sekhar tirelessly campaigned for the legal protection of children, particularly those born out of wedlock. She petitioned the Malaysian government to recognize their inheritance and proprietary rights, ensuring that they were not left vulnerable due to outdated legal frameworks.
Her advocacy reached new heights in 1978 when she organized multiple workshops in preparation for the International Year of the Child (1979). These workshops addressed key issues surrounding child welfare, culminating in the development of a Children’s Charter and a memorandum calling for legislative changes. Her contributions did not go unnoticed, and in the 1990s, she proudly represented Malaysia at the Year of the Child Conference in Nairobi.
MySkills Foundation: Uplifting Malaysia’s Youth
Never one to back down from a challenge, Puan Sri Sukumari Sekhar turned her attention to youth empowerment following the 2001 Kampung Medan riots. Recognizing the urgent need to provide underprivileged youth with skills and opportunities, she proposed the establishment of a skills training foundation. This vision became a reality in 2011 with the launch of the MySkills Foundation, an initiative dedicated to providing professional training and attitude transformation for school dropouts and at-risk youth.
To date, over 1,000 students have graduated from the MySkills Foundation, proving that her efforts have had a tangible and lasting impact on Malaysian society. Her legacy continues through her daughter-in-law, Datin Dr. Winy Sekhar, who now serves as the director and chairman of the foundation.
A Life of Love and Service: Personal Legacy
Behind every strong woman is a network of relationships that enrich her journey. Puan Sri Sukumari Sekhar married renowned businessman B.C. Sekhar, a visionary in Malaysia’s rubber industry. Together, they raised four children—Jayan, Sujatha, Vinod, and Gopinath—instilling in them the values of integrity, compassion, and perseverance.
Those who knew her personally describe her as a gracious, motivating, and deeply caring individual. Friends and colleagues, such as Datuk Ramani Gurusamy and Puan Sri Rathi Khoo, recall her warmth, kindness, and unshakable commitment to helping others. Former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail was deeply inspired by Sukumari’s energy, remarking how she was always full of life and a beacon of motivation.
Her kindness extended beyond her immediate circle. Jamil Khamis, whose father worked as a driver for the Sekhar family, credits Puan Sri Sukumari Sekhar for his own success. She encouraged him to learn English, develop confidence, and seize opportunities—lessons that ultimately led him to a successful career as a plantation manager.
A Lasting Impact: Honoring Her Contributions
Her contributions did not go unrecognized. In 2012, Puan Sri Sukumari Sekhar received the Anugerah Tokoh Wanita Award, a prestigious honor acknowledging her decades of service in advancing women’s rights in Malaysia.
Even in her final years, she remained an unwavering pillar of support for those around her. On March 8, 2021, Malaysia lost a remarkable leader, as Puan Sri Sukumari Sekhar passed away at Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur. Yet, her legacy lives on—not just in the institutions she helped build, but in the lives of those she touched.
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