Empowering Voices: Nitasha Malik’s Journey from Adversity to Advocacy

An exclusive interview with a multicultural influencer championing respect and equality.

As the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, from November 25 to December 10, it’s a timely reminder of the collective effort needed to address the root causes of violence and disrespect.

The Australian Government’s national Stop it at the Start campaign embodies this effort by aiming to prevent gender-based violence by influencing change in attitudes and behaviours that support or condone disrespect and violence.

The multi-phase campaign is currently in Phase 5, which focuses on The Hidden Trends of Disrespect. This Phase spotlights the new and powerful influences online and in the real world impacting young people and their attitudes towards gendered disrespect.

To delve deeper into the campaign’s mission and the community impact of a primary prevention approach, our Content Executive, Sunny Pathak, sat down with Nitasha Malik, one of the campaign’s multicultural influencers and a passionate advocate for change. In the heart of Australia’s multicultural communities, Nitasha Malik stands as a beacon of strength and resilience. A makeup artist and confidence coach, Nitasha has channelled her personal experiences into a powerful platform for advocacy.

As part of the Stop it at the Start campaign, she shares her insights into fostering respect, combating gendered disrespect, and navigating the complex influences shaping young minds today.

Q: Can you tell us about your journey and what led you to become a makeup artist and confidence coach?

My journey into becoming a makeup artist and confidence-building coach is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and a desire to empower others, especially South Asian women. My perspective has been shaped by various factors, including the challenges I faced to my self-esteem while growing up, cultural expectations and my personal experience of domestic violence (DV).

Makeup became a form of self-expression and a tool for rebuilding my confidence. Although I already had a formal education in makeup artistry, I never knew how this education was going to help me and other women discover their inner beauty and strength. I began conducting grooming and confidence-building classes to share this passion and focussed on how these tools can boost confidence, self-love, and positivity.

As a confidence coach, I also encourage families to nurture self-respect and respect for others within their households and the wider community, a message closely aligned with the Stop it at the Start campaign, which aims to prevent disrespectful attitudes from taking root early. You can learn more at respect.gov.au.

Q: As someone deeply engaged in the online world, how powerful do you think online content is in shaping young people’s perceptions?

Online content is incredibly powerful—it shapes perceptions in both positive and negative ways. It also offers representation, education, and a sense of community, empowering young people to learn new skills and feel seen.

However, it also exposes them to hidden trends of disrespect, like misogynistic messages and harmful gender stereotypes. If left unchecked, this content can normalise harmful behaviours and attitudes.

We must meet young people where they are and equip them to navigate these environments responsibly. The Stop it at the Start campaign provides resources like the “Hidden Trends of Disrespect Guide” (available in 11 languages) to help parents understand these challenges and support their children.

Q: What role can parents and adults play in helping young people navigate online content?

Adults play a vital role by being actively involved in young people’s online world, maintaining a balance between guidance and trust. Open communication is key—encouraging young people to share their online interactions without fear of judgment builds mutual respect.

It’s also important for adults to practise good digital habits themselves and be aware of the platforms their children use. Instead of excessive monitoring, focus on guidance and encourage children to question what they see online. Ask, “Is this accurate? Is this helpful? Does this promote respect?”

Our community’s emphasis on family values is a great foundation. By taking an empathetic approach, adults can build strong, trusting relationships with the young people in their lives. Resources like the Conversation Guide available at respect.gov.au can provide helpful starting points.

Q: How can families help encourage the value of respect and build respectful relationships?

As role models for their young family members, grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters and brothers can reflect on their own understanding of respect and gender norms. They can take small and simple steps such as having informed conversations about respect with the young people in their lives and discuss the impacts of values, attitudes, and behaviours. They can use the Conversation Guide available on the Stop it at the Start website to help with this.

Storytelling is another powerful tool. Sharing cultural or modern stories about individuals breaking negative stereotypes can challenge traditional notions and spark meaningful conversations.

By embodying respect in their daily lives, families can guide their children to practise respectful behaviour in their own interactions. By positively challenging attitudes and behaviours, and setting a good example, we can prevent gender-based violence before it happens. For more resources, including those in Hindi, visit respect.gov.au/translated.

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Nitasha Malik’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of respect, self-confidence, and open dialogue. As she shares her story through the Stop it at the Start campaign, she reminds us of the critical role families and communities play in shaping the values of the next generation.

To explore tools and guides on fostering respect and tackling hidden trends of disrespect, visit respect.gov.au.