“My name is Trinish Padayachee, and I am honoured to put my name forward for the position of Board Director at Amnesty International Canada.
I hold a Master’s degree in Economics from University College London, and my career has centred on using evidence and policy to build fairer systems. I bring over 15 years of experience in public policy, with a strong focus on advancing equity through evidence-based decision-making. As the Government of Canada’s Lead on Gender Budgeting at Finance Canada, I work to ensure that federal fiscal policies meaningfully address systemic inequalities and improve outcomes for women and equity-deserving communities. I represent Canada in international forums, contributing to global dialogue on inclusive economic governance.
My lived experience growing up under apartheid in South Africa fundamentally shaped my dedication to justice. Now, as an immigrant to Canada, I continue this work at the community level. My commitment to human rights is also reflected in my community leadership. I currently serve on the board of Carty House, a transitional home for refugee women in Ottawa, where I help support newcomers as they navigate complex resettlement systems and rebuild their lives in Canada. I also served on the board of Volunteer Ottawa for three years, promoting civic engagement and capacity-building within the nonprofit sector.
Amnesty’s mission to protect human rights and uphold dignity for all, resonates deeply with both my professional mandate and personal values. My work in gender-responsive budgeting, and inclusive policy design aligns closely with Amnesty’s priorities of equity, justice, and global solidarity. I would be honoured to bring this perspective to the Board’s strategic and governance work.”
