International Women’s Day 2024 at the ASRC

Today is International Women’s Day, a time to reflect on the achievements women around the world have attained in more than a century fighting for their rights.

On top of this, the ASRC team is also conscious of the multiple challenges refugee women and those seeking asylum are still facing worldwide and, particularly in Australia. Many women seeking asylum and refugees have had experiences of being forced into the background, only allowed to be seen and heard through men who lead and make decisions for them.

The barriers and challenges that begin in their home country, through restrictions on education and opportunity, can continue here in Australia, through discrimination, trauma, lack of access to healthcare and other basic needs to truly have a chance to rebuild their lives in the community.

The theme for IWD 2023 is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’, a reminder that our present and future efforts need to be dedicated to making opportunities and spaces for women while there are still noticeable gaps in various aspects of life. Investing in women is the only way to achieve gender balance, which is essential for economies and communities to thrive.

Today, we celebrate women and their resilience, especially our ASRC Women, from those who attend our centres to find a hand-up in their journey to safety, to staff, volunteers, and committed supporters.

“Investing in women’s lives is an investment in sustainable development, in human rights, in future generations – and consequently in our own long-term national interests.” – Liya Kebede