Zakia Baig says her journey from Pakistan to Australia was the result of the Taliban targeting her for supporting women's rights.
She has continued that work since arriving here in 2006, combining advocacy for women with work, study and raising two children.
This Australia Day, Mrs Baig will have the chance to tell her story to Prime Minister Julia Gillard, as the winner of SBS's 'My Community Matters' competition.
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A member of the Afghani Hazara community, Mrs Baig was born in Pakistan and became a permanent resident of Australia last year. She now lives in Dandenong, Victoria.
In the video she submitted to win the 'My Community Matters' competition, Mrs Baig declared that multiculturalism and equal opportunity were Australia's “real beauty”.
SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid said My Community Matters was about celebrating the diversity of Australian communities and the stories which help create an inclusive society.
“Australia has never been more diverse and SBS is committed to telling the stories which reflect the rich diversity of communities across our nation,” Mr Ebeid said.
“My Community Matters has given one lucky Australian the chance to tell a story about their community directly to the Prime Minister and SBS online audiences.”
