Ashiana Humanitarian Network was proud to co-host its seminar on economic independence for women from refugee, humanitarian and migrant backgrounds on 3 August 2024 at the Victoria Park Community Centre, together with United in Diversity WA, and made possible with the support of the WA Department of Communities.
The workshop was packed with information about different avenues and support services available for women, and was well received by around 70 women in attendance.
We were grateful for the contributions of all our speakers, including our Chairperson, Dr Mary Nangrahary, who welcomed our guests and shared details about Ashiana’s mission of supporting people from refugee and humanitarian backgrounds to find a peaceful home, and our current series of women’s workshops, including a third workshop planned for later this year (watch this space!).
Mamta Kochhar, President of United in Diversity WA, spoke about her organisation’s support for culturally and linguistically diverse women, including through their various social enterprises such as Kitchen of Diversity and how it offers an alternative pathway to employment.
Alice Goodall from Victoria Park Community Centre Inc., who generously offered the space for our event, spoke about the services and programs offered at the centre, and welcomed our guests to work with the centre to host events or to participate in future programs.
Rania Soliman, Acting Director English and Languages, North Metropolitan TAFE provided details about TAFE’s support for women from refugee, migrant and humanitarian backgrounds, particularly through their Adult Migrant English Program, and through their related career supports to assist with transitioning into the workplace, or further study.
Chaynika Sethi, Outreach Lead, Dress for Success Western Australia spoke about the variety of locations, programs and services offered by the organisation to women, including in-house and outreach supports, career coaching, workshops and styling.
Julie Grant, Principal, Resolve Legal Solutions spoke about the minimum legal rights everyone should expect at work, including national standards and industry awards, and how to find the resources and supports to learn more about this and advocate for yourself.
Chris Belcher, Welfare Rights & Tenant Advocate, Welfare Rights & Advocacy Service WA spoke about the complex and ever-changing nature of social security supports, for people from migrant backgrounds and those with citizenship, for those with children or partnered or single, and how to seek support when studying, seeking work or when circumstances change.
Wendy Campbell, Principal Accountant, W Campbell & Associates spoke on superannuation and financial security, and the importance of understanding and taking control of these savings in planning for the future.
Leila Saba, Director, Victoria Park Community Centre, talked about the importance of supporting young women and girls to pursue education and careers in STEM: Science Technology Engineering and Maths, including by being involved in those sectors in a variety of roles.
We were pleased to see so many questions and requests for follow up information and support from our participants. We know that it has been important to make a personal connection with the speakers – who offered their time and expertise and were a friendly face representing their organisations – and for our guests to strengthen their connections with each other, to share their experiences and to learn together how to find and grow their economic independence and freedom in Australia.
It was wonderful to have our friends Shakira Barekzi and Farah Sakhie at S&F DJ Entertainment to entertain us while we enjoyed a light lunch, and end our event with some laughter and dancing. And to our wonderful interpreter, Roya Ansari, and all our generous volunteers and members who made the day possible, we thank you.
We look forward to welcoming you at our next workshop which we will be advertising soon!
Proudly supported by:
For now, please enjoy some images of the day.
Dr Mary Nangrahary
Chairperson, Ashiana Humanitarian Network Limited
