I first met Marie Banu in 1991 when I was working as a socio-economist and agricultural adviser for the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) in Tirunelveli, Kattabomman and Chidambaranar Districts in Tamil Nadu. Marie was in her early 20ties with no prior research- or agricultural experience, and only one among 56 male and female field staff. What we needed at the time was not an agriculturalist but a generalist who could both easily communicate with villagers, male and female, within a broad range of ethnic communities, and organise field work for the groups of field staff. As Marie eminently fitted the profile, she was soon promoted as Research Associate to oversee socio-economic data collection within degraded land areas, and later through the Danish Embassy in Delhi promoted to (Junior) Danida Project Consultant. This made everyone happy, and surely Marie came to the right place at the right time!

Marie Banu is a dedicated development worker with high level skills in Social Audit and Impact; and also in development interviewing and storytelling. Marie's experience has been gained over a number of years working with national and international organisations.

I have known Marie Banu for many years and have always been impressed with the thoughtful and considerate way in which she approaches her work. Her new website 'Write for Change' is a typical example of how she has used this approach, combined with her experience and innate knowledge, to compile a wide compendium of inspiring stories. In looking back at our past and what others have gone through, it is not difficult to realise that we relate to the stories and interpretations of others. Marie Banu has gathered a wide variety of inspirational and informative stories that will help us all to act more clearly and more wisely in the future. I thoroughly commend this website to all those working to change our future for the better. And, well done to Marie Banu for creating this wonderful and truly inspiring collection.

I worked with Marie for over 3 years 2007-10 in the Oxfam International Tsunami Fund. She is organised, efficient, an excellent communicator and team player, and is always positive and fun to work with.

I always found Marie Banu to be a conscientious, professional and helpful colleague. I am impressed by her organisational skills and can-do attitude. She seems to have an ability to relate to people from all walks of life and this outlook is reflected in her writing, which is of a very high standard and always seems to convey a great empathy for her subjects.

"Ms. Marie Banu, the dynamic social scientist, has been interacting with personalities from different walks of life who have taken upon themselves to feel for the people and to contribute towards the overall wellness of society. She has been writing regularly in an informative journal ‘Conversations’ which is a popular platform to exchange ideas to motivate people in different fields."