Perspectives December 21, 2023
“A Deep Sense of Direction”: Prachi Lalwani’s Journey to Freedom House
As a young girl, Prachi Lalwani dreamed of a career devoted to securing and expanding fundamental rights for women across the world. At Freedom House, she found a mission that aligned with her own.
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After serving as an intern at Freedom House in 2022, Prachi Lalwani was hired as a development associate in February 2023. As an Indian-Venezuelan woman who has experienced deprivation and witnessed injustice, Lalwani decided her career would be devoted to making the world a freer place. We spoke with Lalwani recently to learn more about her journey to Freedom House.
Q. As you were growing up, what was it that influenced you to want to work in the democracy/human rights field?
A. “A defining moment in my life came when I was just 12 years-old, and I went to Rajasthan, India. Even as a little girl, I could see and understand the oppression that the women in the town were forced to live under. I knew deep down inside that this was completely and utterly wrong. They did not have some of the most basic human rights that we are privileged to have in the United States. These freedoms included freedom of expression, the ability to receive an education, and even have a seat at the dinner table. Having known what these freedoms felt like, I made it my mission in life to one day be able to give women across the world the opportunity to break free from the shackles of oppression.”
Q. Who inspired or encouraged you to pursue a career in this field?
A. “When I was 15 years old, I met a former student from my high school who was in college and working on his thesis about the work that the United Nations does around the world. He came to our classroom and gave an overview of the UN Human Rights Council and how it works. After conversing with him, I knew I was on a path to understanding this complex subject area. That inspired me to join the Model United Nations club and meet people who were studying international relations and human rights.
“In college, I picked international relations as my major and started exploring the resources and opportunities my university offered in that field. I started doing research on human rights organizations, and Freedom House immediately became one of interest.”
Q. You’ve been at Freedom House since the middle of 2022—how has your experience here aligned with that long-held vision to expand freedom and basic human rights?
A. “I have found a deep sense of direction knowing that every report, executive briefing, and research project that we undertake brings us one step closer to achieving freedom and advocating for democracy worldwide. It is one thing to possess knowledge, but it is another to apply it in practice.
“For example, I was an integral part of the team that organized our annual awards gala, where we honored Vladimir Kara-Murza and the women of Iran. There I could see the impact of my work and knew I was exactly where I needed to be at this stage of my life. I always dreamed of doing something bigger than myself and doing it with people who shared the same vision. Later in the year, I was invited to a US Senate panel discussion on the contributions made by human rights defenders and the support they received from various entities. As a Venezuelan, I understand the importance of having a seat at the table for these kinds of discussions.”
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Q. As someone with ties to both Venezuela and India, what gives you hope in those countries right now? What does it mean to expand freedom and democracy there?
A. “In both countries, there is a generation that has chosen to stand for the truth and speak openly—and that gives me hope. Locally and internationally, there are people working for political reforms, freedom of expression, and protection of the human rights of activists in the field. This implies inclusion and commitment to civil societies, as well as international cooperation. Coordinated collaboration with the government, civil society, and the international community will be key to advancing democracy.”
Q. In what ways are you seeing your work and the Freedom House mission making an impact, personally?
A. “I’ve seen how a person’s whole life can change once they are given basic human rights and a voice. My mom is a great example of this. She was raised in India, where being a woman can often be a disadvantage. But when she moved to Venezuela in 1998, she experienced a shift. At that time, Venezuela was a place where she had more rights and opportunities. She learned that she had a voice, she learned that she could have a future, and that allowed her to discover things she loves to do. And after my father passed away, her identity became even stronger. She is even starting her own small business and becoming an entrepreneur. She showed me that being a woman is a strength, and her story proves that women are oftentimes the ones who can easily adjust to new realities and challenges.”
Q. What’s your advice to others who have a desire to get into this work?
A. “You should know that this is really fulfilling work, but that sometimes change doesn’t happen at the pace you like. Strive for perfection, yes—but celebrate progress.
“Ask yourself what it is you are passionate about within this big field of freedom, democracy, and human rights—and educate yourself on it. Get involved by volunteering for organizations you like and be willing to learn and explore new things.
“And wherever you end up, embrace your story. Your story is your biggest asset. Don’t take where you come from and the experiences you’ve had for granted. Be willing to speak out and never let anyone silence you. That is your power to embrace.”