We asked our Stardoll members to send in your questions to media activist and founding member of FemLINKPACIFIC Sharon Bhagwan Rolls from our ongoing 16 Days campaign, and here are her answers below!


yasmin00636 from Australia asks: "i know some one whos going through this how can i help?"

Sharon: Dear Yasmin, as you are in Australia, there are many support groups and networks available.

For example, the Police: In an emergency situation call the police for urgent attention.  Telephone 000

24 hour crisis help: This is a service available in Victoria, as I am not sure what state you are living in.  The Women's Domestic Violence Crisis Service of Victoria (WDVCSV) is a 24-hour, seven days a week, confidential service which provides information, support and access to safe accommodation or refuges for women and their children.  This is the best first point of contact for someone who wants to leave a violent partner.  The WDVCS can act quickly if your situation is urgent and can help you with transport if you don't have a car or money.  Staff at the service will talk with you to develop an understanding of your situtation and assess what to do first and how to go about it.  The best time for a woman to leave a violent situation will depend on the urgency of the situation and woman's care needs.  Contact with the Service is confidential.  This Service is busy and may be hard to get on to, but keep calling and you will get through.

Crisis line: (03) 9373 0123 or free call 1 800 015 188

Domestic Violence Outreach Workers are located throughout the State and can offer support to women escaping domestic violence.  The workers understand that women in this situation need practical, emotional, financial and legal support.  Once you have made the decision to leave you will not be doing it alone.

Call the Women's Domestic Violence Crisis Service for the number of your local outreach worker.

[Information sourced from Better Health & Women's Domestic Violence Service (Vic)]

I would also suggest you get in touch with the YWCA or any other women's rights groups who might be providing support?


EvaLarichi from the United States: "i love your hair.  who cuts it?"

Sharon: Hi Eva - well, believe it or not I actually had this haircut at a local barber's shop when I was starting out with chemotherapy in March this year; it has grown and I have a wonderful hairdresser who has helped me manager my hair in recent months, although I am planning to grow it back!


aminayugo from the United States: "What affects have you made, that you think are your best?"

Sharon: I am really proud of demonstrating the role of community media and radio as a channel for women, especially in rural and remote centres to be heard.  The successful development and implementation of a women's community media network has been a way FemLINKPACIFIC has been able to network from the community to the UN level.  I am also proud of the development of the Generation Next project for Young Women Producers and Broadcasters especially in rural centres as part of my work - especially as this has involved my own daughter.


superstardance6 from Greece: "Why did you choose this profession?" (Γιατί επιλέξατε αυτό το επάγγελμα;)

Sharon: I have found I have been able to use my media skills and my passion for human rights and peace in my work today!


kiriaki_00 from Greece: "I want to help you.  What can I do?"  (Θέλω να σας βοηθήσω. Τι μπορώ να κάνω;)


Sharon: Join a women's human rights organisation!  Use your skills to help others in your community/town - get involved - it starts with you taking the first step.


present1209 from Germany: "How can I raise awareness that violence against women is a bad thing?"

Sharon: Speak out!  Share your concerns with your friends, start in your classroom - ask your school to conduct programmes especially with women's rights groups.


MissStardollCE2 from Australia: "Beacuase you are involved with the media how many people think that asylum seekers should stay, you can count on me they should stay."

Sharon: I think the media in Australia really needs to be explaining just how important it is to provide safe haven for people living in extremely difficult and politically oppressive countries.


peachwoman from France: "Do you think that humans are being ignorant to all the difficulties in the world?  Do you think that if they were more aware of it the situation would be better now?"

Sharon: I think sometimes people choose to be ignorant.  The more take a step for social justice, for thinking about someone less fortunate than us, imagine the difference we could make across the world!