The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has opened registrations for a landmark summit bringing First Nations women together from Countries across Australia for the first time.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar said the Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) National Summit was a historic event set to inform a range of new approaches for advancing the rights, health, safety, wellbeing and economic opportunities of First Nations women and girls.
Commissioner Oscar said Wiyi Yani U Thangani, meant ‘women’s voices’ in the Bunuba language from Western Australia’s Kimberley region.
“Coming at a pivotal time as Australia lays a pathway for Voice, Treaty and Truth, this Summit is the first time that First Nations women from right across Australia will come together in such large numbers to determine how we can take control of our future and deliver safety, justice and prosperity for our families and communities,” Commissioner Oscar said.
“The national summit is designed for First Nations women to speak on their own terms to government, policymakers and service providers about addressing issues affecting First Nations women and children,” she said.
“With over 650 delegates expected to attend from across the continent, the Summit will showcase innovative approaches and initiatives led by First Nations women, and will feature three days of engaging discussion, workshops and presentations across a variety of topics.”
Commissioner Oscar said key thematic areas included self-determination, societal healing, intergenerational wellbeing, economic justice and empowerment.
She said there would also be a range of networking events and activities throughout the summit, to be held from 9 – 11 May.
“The Summit is the culmination of years of community consultation and engagement through the Commission’s ground-breaking Wiyi Yani U Thangani project and I encourage First Nations women and our allies to get involved and help shape the key outcome of the project – the Wiyi Yani U Thangani National Plan for First Nations Gender Justice,” the Commissioner said.
Further information on the summit can be accessed at this PS News link.
