Human rights lawyer and passionate advocator for the eradication of violence against women and girls Sabrina Khan-Sharma was awarded the Medal of the Order of Fiji at the State House yesterday.
“It’s not me that’s being recognised, it’s God that’s being recognised and it’s such an awesome feeling to see God being acknowledged in such a public way,” the 40-year-old Lautoka lawyer said.
“I receive this on behalf of every woman who places her child and family above her needs and aspirations.
“I receive this for women who get up early in the morning to ensure there is food on the table and everyone is prepared for work and school.
“I also receive this on behalf of every woman who has endured violence or rape or degrading treatment in any shape or form, this medal is for you and for the strength you have shown in picking up the pieces and carrying on with life day after day.”
British-born Australian Ms Khan- Sharma is the daughter of prominent legal mogul Iqbal Khan.
She came to Fiji in 2016 from Australia, convicted by the voice of God to settle in Fiji to do His work.
Ms Khan-Sharma, a sexual abuse and domestic violence survivor, has worked tirelessly with women and girls in the West who were victims of similar forms of abuse.
She will launch a campaign today to empower women and to teach them basic skills as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Ms Khan-Sharma served 13 years in the legal profession after her admission to the Supreme Court of Victoria, Australia, including a stint with the Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Department of Justice and Attorney-General working with the corrective services unit in Brisbane’s West in Queensland.
