PRESS INVITE
Improving the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
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:
Date: Friday 27 March 2026
Media Registration: Starts at 12.45 pm (Tripod with camera will ONLY be allowed to set up before 12:30 pm, please confirm your attendance in advance)
Media Entry Time: Before 12.30 pm
Venue: Club Lusitano, 27/F, 16 Ice House Street, Central (MTR Central Exit D1) https://share.google/pXA5mZUy3K2kNPgEk Programme:
12 noon – 12.45 pm Registration 12.45 pm – 1 pm Opening Speech
• By Ranoo Wasan, Board Director, The Zubin Foundation
1 pm – 1.35 pm Panel Discussion: Her Strength Stories by Ethnically Diverse Women
• Moderator
o Shalini Mahtani, Founder & CEO, The Zubin Foundation
• Speakers
o Kiran Khan (pseudonym): Pakistani Hong Kong resident; survivor of forced marriage, domestic violence, and mental health struggles
o Narag Kezra Leigh: 21 years old, Hong Kong–born, mixed Filipino Pakistani; raised in poverty, scholarship recipient, final year Social Work student
o Gopalakrishnan Srilaletha: 24 years old, ethnically Indian; survivor of racial bullying, educational setbacks, emotional distress; award winning young designer
1.35 pm – 1.40 pm Group Photo
1.40 pm – 1.50 pm Closing Speech
• By Ms. Shalini Mahtani, Founder and CEO, The Zubin Foundation
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
Appendix 1: Introduction of Speakers
1. Kiran Khan (Pseudonym)
Improving the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
• 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.
About The Zubin Foundation
The Zubin Foundation (Hong Kong registered charity: IR 91/12344), named after Zubin Mahtani Gidumal, is an integrated service provider supporting Hong Kong's ethnically diverse communities. We improve the lives of Hong Kong's ethnically diverse individuals by reducing suffering and providing opportunities. With over 10 years of experience serving and supporting Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities, The Zubin Foundation has transformed countless lives. Yet poverty continues to deepen, and thousands – including women experiencing domestic violence, elderly individuals living alone, and children facing mental health challenges – still need care, dignity and ongoing support. The Zubin Foundation relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations to fund our work. For more information, please visit: www.zubinfoundation.org