Academic • Activist • Political Leader
Dr. Rohana Ariffin
A distinguished figure bridging intellectual inquiry with grounded activism to transform the structural conditions of women and labour in Southeast Asia.
40y+
Social Impact
USM
20yr Tenure
WCC
Co-Founder
PRM
Ex-President
Intellectual Formation
PhD • Sociology
University of Malaya (1992)
Master’s Degree
University of Reading, UK
Postgrad Diploma
University of London
Bachelor of Arts
University of Malaya (1969)
USM Tenure (1982–2003)
Spent over two decades in the Dept. of Sociology, teaching industrial sociology, women’s studies, and poverty. Her pedagogy emphasized critical thinking and applying theory to real-world social problems.
Research Leadership
Led IRPA projects on industrialisation, health, and safety.
International Reach
Visiting Fellow at the University of Sydney (1994–1995).
Pioneering Feminist Activism
Co-founder of the Women’s Crisis Centre (WCC) Penang. At a time when gender issues were marginalised, she brought critical attention to domestic violence and sexual assault, serving as President from 1991–1992.
Public Policy
Parti Rakyat Malaysia
National President (2010–2015)
“Underscoring the importance of institutional and political avenues for achieving social justice and equality.”
Scholarly Bibliography
"Where Women Matters"
Sustained engagement with feminist thought.
2022
"Wanita Rentasi Perjuangan"
A career-spanning look at the struggle.
2017
"Trade Unions in Peninsular Malaysia"
Critical analysis of gender dynamics.
1997
"Shame, Secrecy, Silence"
Landmark study of rape in Penang.
Ed.
