PINOYS 4 RATHIKA

Rathika is a Tamil-Canadian from Scarborough. She is a graduate of Strategic Human Resource Management at Carleton University and had a Masters in Industrial Relations at Queens University. Rathika has been very active in her community since she was very young. As a student activist she was involved with the Canadian Federation of Students in their fight for the right to affordable education.

Rathika continues to be active after her university years connecting with other communites including the Filipino community. Early last year, she’s been actively supporting migrants and the fight of the live-in caregivers. She’s also actively present at most of the Filipino youth events.

“As a child brought to Canada with parents fleeing the civil unrest in Sri Lanka, I can empathise with some of the experiences of my Filipino sisters and brothers”. Rathika said. ” Growing up in Canada, I have maintained active in the people’s movement back home, and have also been an advocate for peace, justice and human rights.  The stories I have read of what has been happening in the Philippines have lit another fire inside of me to fight for the humanitarian struggles of the Filipino people”. She also said that the political situation is very similar to what has been happening in her home country and it is her duty as an activist to participate, and help get the message out to the international community about the ground realities in the Philippines.

In May 2010, Rathika went to the Philippines along with 22 other Canadian delegates. They came from different sectors from Vancouver to Montreal to be part of The People’s International Observer’s Mission. They monitored and investigated electoral fraud, and reported back to the international community. “It is important for activists from all walks of life to get involved in the people’s movement for peace and justice in the Philippines.  When I was asked to participate by Bayan Canada, I jumped on the opportunity for me to play my small part in this very important mission” Rathika said.

Rathika is working with many local Filipino organizations to make changes in Canada and internationally.  As a woman of color and a child of immigrant parents, there is no doubt that she will be able to represent the interest of Filipinos in Ottawa