PRESS INVITE

Her Story, Her Strength: A Tribute to Those Who Rise Against All Odds

Three Remarkable Ethnically Diverse Women Inspire Hong Kong with Stories of Courage

The Zubin Foundation, a registered charity in Hong Kong dedicated to reducing suffering and creating opportunities for the city’s ethnically diverse communities, invites you to cover our upcoming social impact luncheon, “Her Story, Her Strength”, celebrating the courage of women whose stories are rarely heard..

On Friday, 27 March 2026, three remarkable women will share how they overcame domestic violence, forced marriage, deep poverty, discrimination, isolation and mental‑health struggles – stories that reflect the resilience and hopes of many marginalised women in our city.

Held at Club Lusitano and moderated by our Founder & CEO, Ms Shalini Mahtani, the luncheon features a panel discussion, Q&A and group photo. Through this gathering, we aim to raise awareness, highlight the importance of education and independence, and inspire collective action to uplift women who are too often unseen.

Details of the event:

Programme:

RSVP

RSVP by 9 am, Friday, 27 March 2026.

For enquiries, please contact:

Matthew YU | Tel: 2540 9588 / +852 6084 9333 |Email: matthew@zubinfoundation.org

Appendix 1: Introduction of Speakers

1. Kiran Khan (Pseudonym)

• Forced Marriage • Domestic Violence • Pakistani

• In her twenties

• Kiran is a Pakistani Hong Kong resident who faced forced marriage, domestic violence and long‑term emotional trauma. In her early 20s, she was taken to Pakistan and compelled to marry her cousin; the abusive marriage ended after she returned to Hong Kong and pursued her own divorce. Years later, when pressured into a second forced marriage, she refused and experienced domestic violence, ultimately leaving home.

• Despite anxiety and depression, she rebuilt her life, secured safe housing, and now works in the legal field while studying law. She hopes her story will empower women in similar situations.

2. Narag Kezra Leigh

• Poverty • Education • Filipino–Pakistani

• 21 Years old

• Born in Hong Kong, Kezra grew up in deep poverty in a small subdivided flat, facing long‑term instability, food insecurity and the pressures of an absent, overworked single mother. As a mixed‑race student in local schools, she struggled with identity and stigma while carrying heavy academic expectations.

• A recipient of The Zubin Foundation Scholarship, she is now completing her Bachelor of Social Work at the City University of Hong Kong and aspires to support marginalised families through culturally sensitive social work practice.

3. Gopalakrishnan Srilaletha

• Mental Health • Identity • Indian

• 24 Years old

• Srilaletha moved to Hong Kong at 12 and experienced cultural isolation, bullying over her skin tone, and family pressure around gender roles and marriage. Stress affected her mental and physical health, leading to anxiety, panic attacks and academic setbacks.

• Through counselling provided by The Zubin Foundation, she learned healthier coping tools and rebuilt her sense of self. She now studies Graphic Design at HKU SPACE and has won notable design awards, including the Huacan EDA Award, for works inspired by personal healing.

Press Invite – Full Version (English) >>