Khadija Gbla is a high profile, passionate and inspiring African Australian woman.
Khadija was born in Sierra Leone and spent her youth in Gambia. Khadija arrived in Australia as a refugee aged 13 in 2001. Khadija experienced discrimination, ageism, racism, sexism and mountains of stigma. This led to Khadija’s interest in human rights at the very young age of 13.
Current Work:
Khadija is now renowned as a human rights activist and she has extensive involvement with diverse areas of the community. Her experiences have solidified her values of equality and justice.
As an entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, facilitator, philanthropist and mentor, Khadija has displayed courage and determination. Her aspirations include giving women, youth and minority groups a voice at a local, state and international level. Khadija utilises her inspired and powerful voice to advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion.
Khadija provides skilled advocacy, leadership, training, keynote speaking and commentary on subjects including domestic and family violence, mental health, cultural safety, gender diversity, sexual health, racism, human rights, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers and cultural diversity.
Khadija’s achievements, community work, human rights advocacy and practical skills have been publicly recognised and honoured through numerous human rights awards. She has appeared in Australian and international media, including the Special Broadcasting Service, the Australian Broadcasting Commission, the Project, Marie Claire, The Guardian and the Sydney Morning Herald. Khadija’s public profile is far-reaching.
Khadija has remained true to herself and her values of integrity, acceptance and equality by continuing to advocate for those whose voice has not been heard. She has remained grounded, and human, as she works hard to achieve her goals. An irrepressible optimism, she approaches life with a sense of humour. Her courage in denouncing the practice of FGM in Australia and internationally, as well as her outspoken stance against domestic violence and racism, in the face of community backlash, has meant she an effective voice and an inspiring role model. Khadija strives to embrace both her African and Australian heritage, as she advocates for acceptance and equality.
Khadija seeks to inspire others to accept their differences and become agents of change in their communities. Khadija advocates for equality, enlivening and empowering others to act with her against the violation of human rights.
Talking Points
Women's Issues
Women's Issues
Making a Change
Making a Change
Leadership
Leadership
Management
Management
Overcoming Barriers: Disability, Racism, Sexism, and Ageism
Overcoming Barriers: Disability, Racism, Sexism, and Ageism
Advocacy
Advocacy
Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism
The Battle Against Depression
The Battle Against Depression
Video
Born a girl in the wrong place | Khadija Gbla | TEDxCanberra
This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Khadija Gbla grew up in Sierra Leone. As a young girl, she was subjected to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). As a woman, she lives with the consequences of FGM everyday. She is determined that this form of abuse against young girls will end, and she wants to end it in her lifetime. Khadija Gbla was born in Sierra Leone. Her family sought refuge in Australia in 2001 after enduring a thirteen-year civil war within her homeland. Khadija strives to combine her African and Australian heritage and values in order to advocate acceptance and equality within the community. Khadija’s passion for her community and for giving young people a voice in our community continues to motivate her involvement in diverse community projects. Khadija has represented Australia in the international arena at the Harvard National Model United Nations, Commonwealth Youth Forum and Australian and Africa Dialogue.Australia Awards for Africa Students and African Studies Association of Australasia and the Pacific Members enjoyed a lively presentation from Khadija Gbla at the inaugural welcome event for ... keep reading AFSAAP
Khadija Gbla truly is an inspirational speaker. Her high energy and passion is obvious from the moment she walks into a room, and when she starts talking it is captivating! Her troubled past has given her the strength and determination to make a mark in society and I wish her the best of luck for her future plans with Chocolate Magazine.
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your presentation at the Volunteering SA&NT's International Women's Day Networking Event a couple of weeks ago. You are an inspiration to everyone, always speaking from the heart with such passion and enthusiasm. The audience is always captivated by what you have to say and I am sure you have encouraged many young people from all cultures to volunteer.
Khadija spoke for a group of 25 young women at the SHE Leads Forum in March 2012. Khadija has a vibrant way of telling her life story and applying it to the context of the event. She talked about how she finds her strength to face challenges, with the voice of her Mum in her mind saying 'Khadija, you have dodged bullets, you can face life's other challenges'. This has inspired me to develop my own mantra when things get hard. She is also a strong advocate for community volunteerism and demonstrates how you get more out of it than you put in. I would recommend Khadija as a speaker to your event around women in leadership and community volunteerism.
Khadija was the guest of honour at our 2011 Annual Speech Day and Awards Ceremony and gave the Occasional Address. In an extremely confident manner she engaged the diverse audience who were captivated by her 'story', openness, warmth and genuine enthusiasm. She spoke of her life, the challenges, the opportunities and the willingness and belief in the need to assist others. Khadija was truly inspirational and is a remarkable person and outstanding role model for the global community. Our school is richer for knowing Khadija Gbla.
