Malathi Helen has done her B.Sc. (Nutrition & Dietetics) and MA, M.Phil in Sociology from Annamalai University. She has also obtained a Diploma in Project Management from LIBA. She has over 24 years of experience in developmental sector in the Government sector and in externally aided World Bank Projects. She has worked as a Communications, Governance and Accountability Specialist in a World Bank aided Community Driven Development (CDD) Project, where she was involved in Environmental and social impact assessment processes for rural livelihood projects.

She was involved in the preparation of the Draft Third Gender Bill and was nominated as Nodal Officer for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals - Goal 5 – Gender and Equality of Sustainable Development Goals. She was instrumental in bringing women help line 181 in Tamil Nadu and 32 one-stop centres for women victims across all Districts in Tamil Nadu, which provides rescue & facilities along with medical, legal and counselling service.