Aruna Papp - Culturally Diverse Dolls

Aruna is a cloth doll maker, she uses old t-shirt, a needle, and threads to create one-of-a-kind dolls. She started making dolls in memory of women who were killed in Canada in the name of family honour.
"For over three decades I have worked with immigrant women victims of domestic violence and honour-based violence. Many were killed by their families to protect 'family honour'. Over time the faces of the victims started to blur in my mind. To preserve their memory and calm the turmoil in my brain I started to make dolls using fabric, a needle, and threads. I create one-of-kind dolls.
Born in India, I immigrated to Canada in 1972 with an equivalent of a grade three education, an abusive arranged marriage and two young daughters. Working at several menial jobs to support my family, I earned my first master's at York University in 1989, Arbitration Dispute Resolution Certification in 1997 also from York University and a second Masters in Adult Education from Central Michigan University.
My work has resulted in establishing of 3 non-profit agencies which assist women and children experiencing abuse. I have written extensively about cultural barriers to counselling when working with immigrant families. As an educator and Keynote Speaker I have traveled nationally and internationally. In 2013, I had the honour of representing the Government of Canada at the 57th session of the United Nations to speak on how domestic violence differs from honour-based violence.
My work has been widely covered by the media, I have received several awards and recognitions from the Canadian Government and non-profit agencies including: 1997 National Commemorative Award, 1993 Volunteer Recognition - Centennial College, 1991 YWCA Toronto "Women of Distinction Award", 1989 Toronto Sun, "Women on the Move" Award and the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the South Asian Community in Toronto."

Book Published 2012 - 'Unworthy Creature: A Daughter's Memoirs of Honour, Shame & Love.' Freedom Press, Ontario

Book Published 1993 (Contributed a chapter) "Sharing our Experience" Edited by Dr. Arun Mukherjee, Status of Women, Government of Canada.

Book Published 1992 - "Seven of us Survived: Wife Abuse in the South Asian Community" Immigration Canada, Ottawa.

Resource Guide - "Counselling Immigrant Women" Funded by Provincial Government