Hannah Jambunathan

I think the skill of critical thinking and the spirit to question and challenge the world around you are at the crux of the SASS education and experience. These are skills I learned in all my units, and ones that I carry with me not only in my professional life but also in my personal life.

From the lecture halls of Monash University Malaysia to the global stage of human rights advocacy, Hannah Reshma Jambunathan has always been driven by a passion for social justice.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts and an Honours Degree in Gender Studies in 2019, Hannah’s professional journey began not in the nonprofit sector, but as a writer at a communications agency. Yet, her heart remained tethered to a deeper calling, to stand up for the rights of others. This pull soon led her to join the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) as a Capacity Building Officer, marking a pivotal return to the human rights field.

The Covid-19 pandemic became another turning point for Hannah. Witnessing the vilification and dehumanisation of migrant and refugee communities during this time sharpened her resolve. In early 2022, she joined the International Detention Coalition (IDC) as a Community Engagement Organiser, before taking on her current role as Asia Pacific Programme Officer. Today, based in Kuala Lumpur, she collaborates closely with Malaysian civil society and government stakeholders to champion alternatives to the detention of migrant and refugee children.

Hannah’s journey into advocacy traces back to her days at the School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS). Her experiences through the Workplace Learning Internship Unit, particularly her internship at WAO, offered a vital gateway into real-world human rights work. SASS’s multidisciplinary, Southeast Asia-grounded education nurtured her critical thinking, ignited her passion for gender studies, and expanded her worldview, all foundations that continue to guide her advocacy work today.

In her professional life, Hannah draws deeply from the theories and methodologies she encountered at Monash, particularly intersectionality, power dynamics, and feminist research methods. These tools have empowered her to navigate and challenge complex systems of injustice.

Of course, advocacy work comes with its challenges. For Hannah, one of the greatest hurdles has been grappling with the slow pace of systemic change. Yet, it is the community of human rights defenders, friends, colleagues, and partners who keep her motivated, reminding her that real change often happens incrementally.

Hannah’s impact continues to grow. She recently co-authored a joint policy brief with UN Women on the gendered impacts of immigration detention and shared her insights at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva. At home in Malaysia, she works tirelessly to ensure that migrant and refugee children are protected and empowered.

Reflecting on her journey, Hannah shares a key piece of advice with current students:

“Take pride in your work - start cultivating a work ethic in the SASS classrooms where you are striving to do your best. This will translate into high quality of work throughout your career. Also, do your readings! They will serve you very well in both your professional and personal journeys.”

Today, as a proud member of the SASS Industry Advisory Board, Hannah continues to give back to the community that helped shape her, ensuring that future generations of students are equally empowered to change the world.