Interview Part 2: Pallavi Sinha: Advocate for a fairer world

By Shashikanth Narasimhiah

You have made a substantial contribution in building a bridge between Australia & India, especially on social issues. What are some of the specific achievements?

Thanks. There’s not enough space in the paper to provide in depth answers to your questions, but I’m providing a concise summary.

There is a long way to go with issues faced by women (pauses), but every drop of water in an ocean counts, and there has been some progress (smiles). These are some of the areas that I’ve worked in:

• ‘Dowry’ & Human rights: After I completed university, I travelled to India and volunteered as an Intern at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in New Delhi, and at a village school. The types of issues prevalent at the NHRC were quite different to matters generally considered by the Australian Human Rights issues. For example, there were a lot of complaints relating to dowry deaths and allegations of police corruption which was eye-opening.

In Australia, in addition to other people working in the area such as Dr Manjula O’Connor, I’ve been raising the issue of whether Australian legislation adequately addresses the dowry issue with the Government and community organisations.

• Domestic or family or gender based violence (DV): I’ve written a lot of articles about problems faced by women in both Australia & India. When the brutal gang rape case of a young girl in Delhi occurred a few years ago, I took a strong stand including preparing a petition, with concrete suggestions such as law reform & education. This petition was sent to India through the Consulate General of India. I continue to advocate in this area and will be suggesting some further steps through relevant authorities.

I’m also the Appointed Supporter of the Joint Federal & State campaign to stop DV, and Phase 2 is commencing around the end of July.

Though I’m an ardent advocate of DV experienced by women, it should not be forgotten that men too can face DV. However, available statistics overwhelmingly indicate that women experience the brunt of DV.

• Women in Business (WIB): I’m currently the Co-Chair of AIBC NSW WIB, & National Chair of WIB is Sheba Nandkeolyar. I’m driving a Women in Leadership event in the next few events, to build the Aust-India bilateral relationship, and provide women with the opportunity to network with & learn from women in leadership positions, and to obtain mentors.

I think there’s a lot of scope to work together in the above and other areas to develop the Australia-India bilateral relationship and for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Have you experienced any challenges as an Indian origin woman? What’s your advice to younger women?

Yes – many – the glass ceiling, misogyny, harassment, bullying etc (& the offender is not always a man, it has been a woman (or women) at times too). I’ve developed a very thick skin (laughs).

• Once I had gone through a very painful surgery. I left hospital the same day and attended an (unpaid) Board meeting the next day. The Board comprised of predominantly men, and a few women. I fight hard for good governance and adherence to protocols. Sadly, I received neither any compassion for the surgery I’d gone through, nor any understanding of the importance of following proper processes.
• I’ve been shouted at, discouraged & told I’ll never reach a certain position (and subsequently, I did reach those positions based on merit and perseverance)
• When I participated in a peaceful protest for the brutal gang-rape of a young girl a few years ago, my handbag (with my car keys, wallet etc) was stolen. I persisted and had the courage to keep advocating about the issue on live TV – the ABC 7.30 Report, and the petition etc

My advice to younger women is to be strong, stand by your convictions, persevere, and never give up on fighting for what is right. You may be often fighting alone & it’s a tough journey, but it’s a worthwhile one.

Currently there is a hot debate across the country about matters such as equal opportunity and equal pay for women, and immigration. What are your views and do you have any specific plans on how to address this disparity?

So much I could say & so little time (laughs). A few examples:

• Equal opportunity: It’s important to recognise that half the population are women and women make a huge contribution to Australia. As an appointed member of the Ministerial NSW Council for Women’s Economic Opportunity, I’ve given input in meetings on topics such as: how to improve access to employment for women and advancement in the workplace and on Boards, and flexible work practices (which are applicable to men as well)

• Immigration: This is a topical issue and a contentious debate. Indian origin people are the highest source of skilled migration and citizenship applications. Generally, migrants have made a lot of positive contributions to Australia. The question of how many people should be permitted to immigrate to Australia is complex. Essentially, I think there should be comprehensive analysis and consultation which weighs up considerations such as the benefits of the migration intake, how many more people Australia can accommodate, and what amount of infrastructure and services Australia can provide to adequately take in migrants.

Some of the work I’m undertaking to address some of the above areas are policy papers and Forums and policy papers in some of the above areas that we have discussed. Come what may, keep fighting the good fight!