Lara Fergus grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney and gave up a science degree to become a contemporary dancer. She spent seven years living overseas, mostly in France. In that time she completed degrees in writing, women’s studies and international law, and worked with various advocacy organisations, including for newly arrived immigrant and refugee women.
She has worked as a researcher and writer on human rights—particularly violence against women—for over a decade, with organisations such as Amnesty International, White Ribbon, VicHealth and the United Nations. She has worked for the Victorian Government on policy to prevent violence against women.