Melbourne: Three Indian-origin women are among the recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division of this year's King's Birthday Honours.
Mental health advocate Niharika Hiremath, social entrepreneur Sakshi Thakur, and Sydney’s family violence activist Harinder Kaur were recognized for outstanding achievement and service to the nation.
"Through today's recognition, we shine a light on their efforts, the impact they have, and the difference they make. On behalf of all Australians, I thank recipients for their service and congratulate them on their recognition," Governor-General David Hurley said announcing the awards on June 11.
Hiremath, 29, is a member of the National Mental Health Commission’s Independent Advisory Board, and her advocacy for mental health focuses on integrating culturally responsive systems into healthcare. She has been awarded for her outstanding service to community health, reflecting her generation’s commitment to mental health advocacy.
Sydney-based Harinder Kaur has made significant strides in addressing domestic and family violence through the Harman Foundation, which she established in 2013. The foundation has assisted over 500 families experiencing violence and runs educational programs aimed at changing community attitudes.
Honored for her community work, Melbourne-based Thakur has founded ‘Sewing the Seeds’, a social enterprise that equips women in Puducherry with textile skills, thereby enhancing their family’s quality of life, the Australia Today reported.
She also founded Humanism, a social enterprise that creates dignified jobs with humans from marginalized and low-income communities. In 2018, she started Humanism Global to focus her energy and purpose on marginalized women’s needs and aspirations.
