Sashi Kiran
Sashi Kiran is the founder and director of non-profit community organisation Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development in Fiji. In 2015 she was appointed a member of Fiji's Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission.Life
Following Fiji's 2000 political crisis Kiran founded FRIEND to create income generating opportunities for rural and semi-urban settlements and villages, with a particular focus on youth and people with special needs. Some of its projects include a line of chutneys made by women in rural communities with raw ingredients purchased from small-holder farmers, flours made from local crops, greeting cards made by people with disabilities and herbal teas. In 2017 the organisation opened a restaurant specialising in traditional Fijian and Indian food. The organisation also works on disaster response initiatives, rehabilitation and healing, and peace building projects.
Kiran has worked with the Commonwealth Foundation on a regional report on citizens and good governance and served on the executive council of international NGO CIVICUS as well as Asia South Pacific Association for Basic and Adult Education. In 2017 she served on the Commonwealth Elections Observer Team for the 2017 elections in Papua New Guinea.
