Basira Khan, currently in her final year studying Political Science and International Relations and Marketing, is one of 13 UWA students nominated for a McCusker Centre for Citizenship Outstanding Intern Award, in recognition of her efforts to support the Muslim Women’s Support Centre (the Centre).
Basira’s nomination reflects the impact she made through her internship assisting the Centre’s work as a Social Media Content Creator – including a campaign she worked on which helped the organisation secure $20,000 in funding.
“During my internship I worked on the Centre’s brand image through content creation, including humorous reels, interviews, and educational graphics; the work I undertook to promote the Centre for the Westfield Local Heroes program reached audiences around the globe,
“The public voted in this program, and the Centre received $20,000, which they have put toward the costs of staying open, serving vulnerable women and training volunteers to better serve the community,” Basira said.
Basira said that while social media was under scrutiny for its negative social impacts, her internship highlighted for her the importance of harnessing it for good.
“Without social media, the Centre may not have been able to receive so many votes from so many diverse people,
“I have learnt that creating a strong online presence and persona is essential to achieving success, even at a local level,” she said.
The Centre’s Vice President, Abir Roz, praised Basira’s efforts and her commitment to the organisation’s vision.
“Basira excelled in her role as social media intern, when she connected with the Centre’s purpose of helping the most vulnerable women in the community,” she said.
“Basira continues to volunteer at the Centre, even though her internship has now been completed,
“She has become part of the Centre’s team of dedicated volunteers, striving to make a positive impact,”
Basira said she felt honoured and proud to have her contribution recognised through a nomination for the Outstanding Intern Award.
“I feel as though the nomination is a reflection of the work I put in, and my internship highlights the ability of individuals to have a meaningful positive impact,
“The work I undertook throughout my internship benefitted the greater south-of-the-river community, the Muslim community and also local women in vulnerable situations,
“The informative Instagram and Facebook graphics I created on receiving support in counselling, domestic violence issues and mental health served local women in Perth; the graphics circulated information that vulnerable women need and promoted services that they may not have known of,” she said.
The Outstanding Intern Award recognises McCusker Centre for Citizenship student interns who have significantly contributed to their host organisation and community during their internship.