NEWS/ HONG KONG/ CITY
Improving the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
Press Release – Embargo until 1 pm on 27 March 2026
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
Hong Kong, 27 March 2026 – The Zubin Foundation, a registered charity in Hong Kong dedicated to reducing suffering and creating opportunities for the city’s ethnically diverse communities, hosted a heartfelt social impact luncheon themed “Her Story, Her Strength” at Club Lusitano. The event brought together three remarkable women who shared deeply personal journeys of resilience – including domestic violence, forced marriage, poverty, discrimination and mental health challenges.
Voices of Courage and Resilience
Through the stories shared by our speakers, we witnessed the courage of women who are too often unseen. They spoke about trauma, healing, and the transformative role of timely support:
Kiran Khan (pseudonym), (30, a survivor of forced marriage and domestic violence) reflected on how support and safety enabled her to rebuild her life: “I experienced domestic abuse from a young age and forced marriage in my early twenties, which stole my youth and brought trauma Despite threats and losing financial support, I fought for my freedom. The Zubin Foundation was my lifeline offering emotional and tangible support, connecting me to shelter, social services and legal aid. I wouldn’t be where I’m today without them. Now studying law and working in the legal field, I share my story to empower other women facing similar trauma. Healing was possible because someone believed in me. Your support can light the path for the next sister in need before another life is shattered beyond repair”
Narag Kezra Leigh (21, a final year Social Work student at City University of Hong Kong and The Zubin Foundation Scholarship Recipient) shared how poverty shaped her childhood, adding, “Growing up in a tiny subdivided flat with food insecurity and an overworked single mother, poverty cast long shadows over my childhood. Receiving this scholarship has shown me the power of education With the financial scholarship and mentorship, I have expanded networks and gained self-esteem. Today, I carry hope for families like mine, turning personal struggle into purpose through education and community care. From my experience, I know that poverty can claim another generation of ethnically diverse youth. Act now to secure their futures.”
Gopalakrishnan Srilaletha (24, award-winning designer) spoke about overcoming discrimination, “As a teen, I struggled with racial bullying, gender pressures, and anxiety, which caused academic setbacks. I felt isolated and misunderstood. The Zubin Foundation's counselling rebuilt me. I learnt to stay true to my values and prioritised my well-being. Now, I transform pain into art that heals – proof that with support, strength can bloom. Mental health crises in our communities are escalating We need support, or more young women like me will lose years to silence and suffering.”
Improving the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
Where Courage Meets Action: How You Can Stand with Us
Shalini Mahtani, MH, MBE, Founder and CEO of The Zubin Foundation, emphasised the urgency of addressing the growing needs in Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities: “Today, we spotlighted the strength of our women service users. These women embody Hong Kong's true heart – resilient, radiant, and ready to inspire entire communities. Indeed, at The Zubin Foundation, women make up the majority of those we serve. Over the past six years, we have awarded 241 scholarships to HK students at government schools to attend university, with 84% awarded to young women. We believe that education is the key to ending poverty, and financial independence is the key to individual agency. Through our adult counselling service, we have provided counselling to 650 adults, 80% of whom are women, many of whom have faced trauma. We have also supported more than 100 children with mental health counselling, 55% of them girls, helping them face their issues of depression, bullying, eating disorders, and addressing these issues whilst they are young. This year alone, we are working on 3 forced marriage cases. When we delay, more lives fall into hardship. Join us now to build the safety nets that save futures ”
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. We invite individuals, corporations, and partners to join this movement of hope – donate, volunteer, or raise awareness – to ensure more women and families receive the help they urgently need. Every act of kindness ignites lasting change.
EVENT PHOTOS
Download Here: https://bit.ly/4bLpLy6 (Event photos will be ready for download one hour after the event.)
APPENDIX
- Annex 1: Impact of Targeted Support to Empower the Community - Annex 2: Introduction of Speakers
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
PRESS / GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Matthew YU, The Zubin Foundation | E: matthew@zubinfoundation.org | Tel: 2540 9588 / 6084 9333
Improving the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
Annex 1: Impact of Targeted Support to Empower the Community
Since 2020, The Zubin Foundation have delivered data-backed proof of change supporting marginalised women from the ethnically diverse community:
• 241 Scholarships awarded – 84% to women
• 650 Adults received counselling – 80% women
• 100 Children received counselling – 55% girls
• 14 Forced marriage cases assisted These targeted interventions demonstrate that timely, culturally sensitive support enables women and families not just to recover, but to thrive.
Annex 2: Introduction of Speakers
1. Kiran Khan (Pseudonym)
• Forced Marriage • Domestic Violence
• Pakistani | 30 years old
• Kiran is a Pakistani Hong Kong resident who faced forced marriage, domestic violence and long term emotional trauma. In her early 20s, she was 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.