About
Marie Banu holds key leadership roles in the social sector, serving as the Director of the Centre for Social Initiative and Management (CSIM) in Chennai, where she plays a vital role in advancing social entrepreneurship and management practices. Additionally, she serves as the Director of the Social Audit Network (SAN), UK, an organization that facilitates knowledge exchange and collaboration among social accounting and audit practitioners within the social economy and voluntary sectors.
Her expertise as a Social Auditor is recognized and accredited by both the Social Audit Network, India, and the Social Audit Network, UK. She is also a distinguished member of the Institute of Social Auditors of India and holds Social Auditor certification from the National Institute of Securities Market (NISM), reflecting her commitment to accountability and social impact assessment.
Marie’s dedication to promoting Social Return on Investment (SROI) and Social Value is further demonstrated through her accreditation as an SROI and Social Value Trainer by Social Value International (SVI).
In addition to her leadership in social auditing, Marie is the Chief Editor of Conversations Today, a registered monthly tabloid published by MSDS, the parent trust of CSIM. She actively contributes to the publication by writing insightful articles and conducting interviews with changemakers in the social sector. Each year, the most compelling stories from Conversations Today are compiled and published as Unsung Beacons, amplifying the voices of those making a difference.
Marie’s contributions to society have been recognized with prestigious awards. She was honored with the REX Karmaveer Global Fellowship in 2014-15 and the Karmaveer Chakra Award, both of which are global civilian honors presented by the international confederation of NGOs (iCONGO) in partnership with the United Nations. These accolades highlight her dedication to driving meaningful social change and creating a lasting impact.
career
Marie Banu embarked on her career in the social sector at the young age of 25, showcasing her early dedication to driving meaningful change.
Over the years, she has gained extensive experience working with esteemed organizations such as DANIDA (Danish International Development Agency), OXFAM International, OXFAM India, and ActionAid India, among others.
From 1999 to 2005, Marie played a key role in leading fundraising efforts for OXFAM India. Between 2005 and 2009, she expertly managed international and national media relations for OXFAM International’s South Asia Tsunami response program. This large-scale initiative was jointly led by OXFAM Great Britain, OXFAM NOVIB, OXFAM America, OXFAM Australia, Intermon OXFAM (Spain), OXFAM Hong Kong, OXFAM Quebec, OXFAM Solidarity (Belgium), and OXFAM India. Her strategic media engagement was instrumental in raising awareness and garnering support for the program’s initiatives.
Since 2013, Marie has served as the Director of the Centre for Social Initiative and Management (CSIM), playing a crucial role in fostering social entrepreneurship. In November 2023, she was appointed as the Director of Social Audit Network, UK, further strengthening her influence in the field of social impact assessment and accountability.
social audit
Marie Banu has had the privilege of attending the prestigious Master Class in Social Accounting and Audit, conducted by Mr. Patrick Boase and Mr. Alan Kay of the Social Audit Network (UK). She has also benefited from the mentorship of Mr. Mike Swain from the Social Audit Network (UK) and Ms. Latha Suresh from the Social Audit Network (India), further enhancing her expertise in the field.
Since 2010, Marie has actively contributed to numerous Social Audit Assignments for both corporate entities and not-for-profit organizations across India. Her involvement has played a key role in evaluating social impact and ensuring accountability.
She has also undergone specialized training in Social Return on Investment (SROI) under Dr. Adam Richards from Social Value International, earning accreditation as an SROI and Social Value Trainer in recognition of her proficiency in impact measurement.
Marie’s auditing expertise spans various organizations and initiatives across regions. She has audited the social accounts of notable entities, including Friends of Coconut Tree (Coconut Development Board) and Manappuram Foundation in Kerala, ICAI UAE (Dubai) Chapter, SOHAM in Kolkata, CONCERN (a de-addiction home) in Chennai, and Vidya in Bengaluru. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role in preparing social accounts for organizations such as Cognizant Outreach and facilitating social audits for Stella Maris College, Equitas Development Initiatives Trust, and Asirvad Microfinance Limited. Her impact assessments extend to over 75 projects funded by leading Corporate Foundations throughout India.
Recognized for her vast knowledge and experience, Marie serves as a key resource person for the Master Class in Social Accounting & Audit and the Social Impact Practitioner Training conducted in India, the UK, and the UAE. Her contributions to these training programs underscore her commitment to advancing the field and empowering others with her insights.
Writing
Marie Banu made her debut as a co-author in 2005 with the publication of Beyond Brick and Mortar – A Handbook on Approaches to Permanent Shelters in Humanitarian Response, published by Oxfam International. This milestone highlighted her expertise in humanitarian efforts.
She has also made significant contributions to Oxfam’s Tsunami publications, authoring numerous insightful articles. Additionally, she co-published Living with Hope, a research document on temporary shelters that became a key advocacy tool for NGOs in Tamil Nadu, facilitating meaningful engagement with the government.
In 2009, Marie joined the Centre for Social Initiative and Management (CSIM) as Head of Communications. She played a pivotal role in launching CSIM’s tabloid, initially titled Conversations in 2010, later rebranded as Conversations Today in 2013. As Chief Editor, she not only writes compelling articles but also interviews leading figures in social work. The publication’s most impactful stories are compiled annually into Unsung Beacons, further amplifying their reach.
Her expertise in interviewing changemakers in the social sector was recognized through her book Inspiring Conversations(2012), which features interviews from the 2010 and 2011 editions of Conversations Today. The book’s foreword was penned by Shri Nataraj IPS, adding to its significance.
In 2023, Marie authored A Guide to Social Impact, published by the Social Audit Network (SAN) UK and SAN India, offering valuable insights into impact measurement and accountability frameworks.
Her book Break the Silence, published by Maastricht University, Netherlands, in 2024, explores PoSH laws and has been well received. She has also authored Echoes of the Heart Vol. 1 & 2, which reflect on her life experiences and the values she has cherished since childhood.
posh committee and other memberships
Marie Banu is dedicated to fostering safe and inclusive work environments through her active involvement in Regional Complaints Committees (RCC) and Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) for POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace) in leading organizations. With a strong commitment to a gender-neutral approach, she ensures compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.
Currently, Marie Banu serves as an ICC member at the Reserve Bank of India Staff College, Forbes Marshall, Foxconn India Pvt. Ltd., Dvara Group of Companies, Dvara KGF, Lohmann Adhesive Tapes India Pvt. Ltd., and Sundaram Composites | Leggaro Composites. Additionally, she plays an active role as a member of the Staff Grievance Redressal Cell at Loyola College.
She has served as an ICC member in esteemed institutions such as Mahle Engine Components India Pvt. Ltd., Stanley Engineered Fastening India Ltd., BorgWarner Morse Systems India Pvt. Ltd., and Bosch Electric Drives Ltd. in Oragadam, contributing significantly to fostering a culture of respect and workplace safety. She also held the position of ICC member at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, School of Vocational Education, ensuring the effective implementation of POSH guidelines and facilitating grievance redressal.
Beyond her contributions to workplace safety, Marie is also deeply engaged in academia. She is a Member of the Board of Studies for the Department of Sociology at Stella Maris College and the Madras School of Social Work, where she helps shape academic programs and policies.
family
J P Jawahar Rodriguez
Father
Script Writer, Entrepreneur
J P Rodriguez
Paternal Grandfather
Recipient of Tamara Patra in recognition of his role in the freedom struggle.
J P Chandrababu Rodriguez
Paternal Uncle
Actor
Dr. Sarojini Fernando
Maternal Aunt
National Award Winner for service to the differently-abled.