Inspiring intercultural conversations
Women and girls coming together to have real conversations about what matters to them in their families and communities
Have you ever wondered how you would give voice to almost 100 women from diverse communities on the issue of domestic and family violence? We worked alongside a group of motivated women to design and host a meaningful conversation on this very complex issue in Brisbane.
We used participatory processes and practice to create an environment where women felt safe enough to speak their truth and concerns about domestic and family violence, and co-create possible ways forward.
The focus question was “How can we support each other to be safe and respected in our homes and communities?”
Here is a collective summary of insights:
Connection, yarning, sharing
Developing self
Education
Creating safe spaces
Cultural awareness
Mentoring and support groups
This first hopeful and inspiring conversation was supported by Anglicare Southern Queensland, Brisbane City Council, Pasifika Women's Alliance, African Australian Women’s Association QLD and Multicultural Australia (formerly MDA).
In February 2021, in the midst of Covid restrictions, we hosted a group of 30 women and girls to talk about another important issue, this time in the Ipswich region.
“How can we support our young people to do well and be safe in our community?”
Using a similar design, dynamic conversations gave space for women and girls to express themselves freely, and with hope.
This time, it was a collaboration between Anglicare Southern Queensland, Pasifika Women's Alliance, QPASST and Multicultural Australia’s Migrant Youth Vision Project in making it happen. This event was funded by Ipswich City Council through its Community Development Grants.
It was a privilege to co-host these conversations, to experience and hear the challenges, stories of resilience and of hope and possibility. We were inspired by these women who saw that together, they could create safe spaces for themselves and their families, others in their communities and to take action when needed. They made deep connections across cultures, re-discovered the power of conversation, laughed and celebrated the beauty of women.
In the words of …
Participants speaking their commitments at the end of the youth forum:
Share with my Filipino community who are keen to hear about it
Bring back voices and wisdom to my organisation
Take what I heard today into our programs
Wisdom and inspiration to the sisterhood - be involved and do the best I can
Women leaders in my community - talk together to see how we can work together with youth
How to reach out and do things in a different way to support parents
Listen more to my students
To listen to young people more
Learn by listening and sharing
Listen more to young people and women parents with a filter of LOVE
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