Australia Awards South and West Asia

Suganthi Shaiju is a social worker with over 13 years of experience in the development sector. Currently, she is a Senior Programme Officer at CBM India Trust, a non-government organisation that exists to build an inclusive society where people with disability can achieve their full potential.

In November 2024, she participated in an Australian Professional Opportunity (APO) supported by Australia Awards and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This involved Suganthi and 10 other disability advocates from Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka undertaking professional development activities in Adelaide, Australia.

Suganthi received a Master of Social Work from Indira Gandhi National Open University in 2020, and holds certificates in Corporate Social Responsibility and Adolescent Counselling. This background has provided her with essential insights and effective methodologies for driving social change. She has actively collaborated with the Department of Women and Child Development and law enforcement agencies, successfully securing substantial government support for the security and welfare of victims of crime. Additionally, she has focused on promoting gender equality and advocating for the rights and empowerment of marginalised communities. She received recognition for leadership in establishing the first child-friendly Court in Hyderabad. Previously, she also led anti-human trafficking interventions that secured government welfare for survivors, and developed a foundation course on anti-human trafficking.

Suganthi (left) and fellow Indian APO participant Amar Jain (right) participating in a smoking ceremony at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.

She has devoted significant efforts to supporting people with disability, including:

• ensuring access to affordable healthcare that promotes the wellbeing of people with disability and helps prevent avoidable impairments
• providing quality education for children with disability by empowering teachers through training, developing effective teaching materials, and supplying essential aids and equipment
• offering suitable livelihood opportunities, training programs and resources, while also supporting the creation of self-help groups and connecting them with government financial institutions.

At CBM India Trust, Suganthi leads multi-state programs that integrate inclusive healthcare practices, drive advocacy with state health departments and support medical professionals to build their capacity. Her leadership has contributed to the development of sustainable systems that enhance access to eye health services for people with disability. These contributions reflect her commitment to systemic change—ensuring inclusion is not a programmatic add-on but a core value in policy and practice. She collaborates with medical institutions and community stakeholders to ensure people with disability receive equitable access to health services and rehabilitation. For instance, under CBM’s Inclusive Eye Health program, she has supported initiatives that strengthen early detection of visual impairments, enhance low-vision rehabilitation and improve accessibility at health facilities. Her motivation to work in the disability sector stems from a deep belief in social justice and inclusion. Witnessing the transformation in individuals who, through the right support and opportunity, regain confidence and dignity continues to inspire her to work in this sector.

Her area of expertise lies in inclusive program management, disability-inclusive health systems and social sector leadership. She focuses on developing strategies that enhance accessibility and inclusion within eye health programs and humanitarian response initiatives. This involves training healthcare professionals about inclusive eye health, and monitoring inclusive eye health projects to ensure effective implementation, quality outcomes and sustainability of inclusive practices within healthcare settings.

“My professional journey is guided by empathy, equity and empowerment. I am deeply committed to building a society where every individual—regardless of ability—has access to opportunities for growth, participation and wellbeing,” she says.

Additionally, Suganthi conducts capacity-building sessions on Inclusive Disaster Management, focusing on strengthening preparedness and response systems to be accessible and inclusive of people with disability. She facilitates collaboration between private stakeholders to promote inclusive approaches in healthcare and emergency systems, ensuring that no one is left behind. Furthermore, she designs training programs about safeguarding children, and assesses healthcare institutions to evaluate and enhance their Child Protection policies and procedures and their overall safeguarding environment.

Suganthi conducting an eye health screening in a school in Andhra Pradesh.

She says, “The study tour to Australia was a transformative experience. It has deepened my understanding of Australia’s inclusive infrastructure, person-centred healthcare and employment models for people with disability. Exposure to organisations such as Viva Mutual, Novita Tech and Minda’s Inclusive Café provided practical models of person-centred care and inclusive employment, which I now seek to replicate through CBM’s programs in India. These learnings have greatly influenced my work, inspiring me to contextualise global best practices within India’s healthcare and social development landscape.”

Suganthi believes in the power of collaboration and has worked extensively to facilitate partnerships that bring together public and private stakeholders towards a common goal of inclusion. She is also experienced in advocacy, stakeholder engagement and capacity development, effectively bridging policy frameworks with grassroots implementation to promote sustainable and inclusive impact across communities.

“Since completing the program, I have remained actively engaged with the Australia Awards alumni network, exploring opportunities for collaboration in areas such as assistive technology, inclusive program design and policy advocacy,” she says. “I continue to exchange ideas and learn from peers working across the Asia-Pacific region on how to strengthen systems that uphold the rights and dignity of people with disability.”

Suganthi (second row, middle, seated) pictured with other APO participants and staff from the City of Holdfast Bay at the Glenelg Community Centre.

Beyond her expanded networks, Suganthi notes specific learnings from her Australian experience. “After attending the APO, I have started integrating several learnings—such as inclusive infrastructure design, use of assistive devices and adaptive training modules—into program strategies. These initiatives have improved accessibility of services, increased awareness on inclusion among stakeholders, and strengthened collaboration with government and health institutions,” she says.

Suganthi has a clear message to those interested in working in the disability sector. “Inclusion is not a separate agenda. It is a mindset and a shared responsibility,” she says. “For aspiring professionals, I would say: listen to lived experiences; collaborate across disciplines; and never underestimate the power of small, consistent actions toward equality.”

She also says, “Australia Awards is a remarkable platform that nurtures global collaboration, equipping professionals to create meaningful change in their communities. It not only builds knowledge but also instils a sense of shared purpose for a more inclusive world.”