SHAKTI PERSPECTIVES
Shakti perspectives: Nitasha Rehman
First-generation Pakistani Australian woman
The topic of mental health continues to be a huge taboo in many South Asian cultures and
households, with significant stigma attached to speaking up and seeking support. This
stigma is deeply rooted in the fear of judgment, the ever-present question of “log kya
kehenge?” (What will people say?), and the anxiety around how others perceive us. In
worrying about these things, we often lose sight of who we truly are.
My journey with mental health has been deeply personal and transformative. Growing up as
a brown girl and an only child in Australia, I often felt like I had to suppress parts of my
identity to fit into different spaces. I know I speak for many children of immigrants when I say,
“I felt too brown for the white kids at school and too white for my brown family at home.” This
duality left me straddling two versions of myself, impacting my sense of self-worth.
Over time, and through years of inner work, I began to unlearn the internalized belief that I
needed to fit into a box to belong. I came to realize that I didn’t have to choose between
identities—we are multifaceted beings. By embracing all parts of myself, I could form an
authentic identity that felt right for me.
Through this journey, I’ve discovered that cultural healing and mental health are deeply
interconnected. When we confront intergenerational wounds—such as the stigma of “log kya
kehenge?” or the pressure of meeting cultural expectations—we begin to unlearn toxic
patterns that no longer serve us. This unlearning creates space for self-compassion, self-
trust, and the freedom to define who we are on our own terms.
This realization is one of the reasons I created The Brown Girl Collective, a community
designed for South Asian women—and those who identify with similar cultures—navigate
the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-worth. The Brown Girl Collective serves as a
safe and inclusive space where we can celebrate our heritage while also redefining what it
means to thrive in a multicultural world.
Through this platform, I aim to challenge cultural stigmas, including those around mental
health, by fostering open conversations and creating opportunities for healing and
connection. Whether through in-person events, creative workshops, or personal
development programs, my goal is to empower women to reclaim their voices, break free
from societal expectations, and embrace their multifaceted identities unapologetically.
Mental health is a cornerstone of this mission because true empowerment begins with
acknowledging our struggles and finding the courage to seek support. By doing so, we not
only heal ourselves but also pave the way for others to feel less alone in their journeys.
The Brown Girl Collective is built on these principles, celebrating cultural healing as an
integral part of personal growth. This process does not mean we accept every aspect of our
culture—it means being active participants in embracing the parts of our heritage that
resonate with us while letting go of those that perpetuate harm or no longer align with our
values. By fostering connections, sharing stories, and embracing our multifaceted identities,
we work to dismantle the internalized narratives that have kept us from fully thriving.
Decolonization, to me, means reclaiming the power to define ourselves—not as one-
dimensional versions of what society or culture expects, but as whole, complex beings.
Healing, therefore, isn’t just an individual act—it’s collective. When we heal ourselves, we
inspire others to do the same. Together, we can redefine what mental health and wellbeing
look like for South Asians and other communities, grounded in pride, resilience, and cultural
authenticity. Through The Brown Girl Collective, I hope to show that we can honour our heritage, heal from its wounds, and create spaces that allow us to thrive—just as we are.
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Follow @teshiunplugged | @thrivingteshi | @thebrowngirlcollective__ on IG to keep up with Nitasha