Norma is an advocate of the Bombay High Court and has argued, pro bono, over 100 cases on environmental pollution, animal rights and women's issues, including achieving a ban on bullfighting in Goa, her home state, where she is a well-known campaigner. She is a member of the Animal Welfare Board of India and Chair of the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO). She was awarded the Padma Shri for her work for the protection of animals and the environment in 2002.