Democracy in Colour
Democracy in Colour is a registered charity and advocacy organisation focused on racial justice in Australian democracy. Its focus is on who participates in democracy — addressing the structural barriers and systemic racism that shape whose voices are heard in political, media, and civic life — rather than procedural democratic reform.
Key people
- Neha Madhok — founding National Director (approximately 2017–2024); built the organisation from its inception into a nationally recognised advocacy body.1
- Noura Mansour — current National Director (from 2024).1
Campaigns and programs
- Racism Out of Politics — flagship campaign targeting racial bias in political discourse
- Racism Out of Media — targeting systemic racism in Australian media coverage
- Racial Justice Program (formerly People of Colour Placement Program) — a leadership pipeline placing people of colour into political and civic institutions
- Western Sydney Climate Justice Fellowship — builds climate leadership among PoC communities in Western Sydney
- Melbourne Create Change Fellowship — similar fellowship for Melbourne-based PoC
Note on scope
Democracy in Colour's work is distinct from electoral or procedural reform organisations. Its framing is racial justice and political power — changing who has a seat at the table — rather than changes to democratic mechanisms or institutions. It is included here as part of the broader democracy landscape because representation and participation are structural democratic questions.
Links
- Website: democracyincolour.org