Creating opportunity for Aboriginal women | Case Study

Home Creating opportunity for Aboriginal women | Case Study

This project by the Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Collective was supported through Volunteering WA’s Volunteer Management Activity, funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

Empowering Aboriginal women in the South West

The South West Aboriginal Women’s Collective (SWAWC) was created by Aboriginal women who wanted to see stronger connections, greater opportunities and a louder voice for women across the South West.

Through the Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Collective’s (KAWC) Ripple Effect Project, it was identified for many women, the challenges being faced are not new. Grief, family pressures, domestic and family violence, social isolation, housing issues and limited access to services continue to impact many Aboriginal women and families throughout the region. At the same time, women are often the ones caring for others, holding families together, passing on culture and advocating for change in their communities.

The SWAWC recognised there was a need for women to come together, support one another and create their own opportunities rather than waiting for solutions to come from elsewhere.

Explore the work of the KAWC

How the project has supported women

SWAWC has focused on creating culturally safe spaces where women can heal, learn, connect and lead. One of the key initiatives has been the Grounded Women’s Wellbeing gatherings held through Milligan Community Learning and Resource Centre.

These gatherings provide women with an opportunity to come together, yarn, build relationships and support one another in a safe and welcoming environment.

Alongside the wellbeing gatherings, SWAWC has continued to support women through a range of community-led activities and opportunities, including:

  • Sharing leadership and mentoring opportunities for Aboriginal women and young women
  • Supporting women to attend conferences, roundtables and leadership events
  • Advocating for improved educational outcomes for Aboriginal girls
  • Delivering the National Sorry Day Flower Project across schools and communities throughout the South West.
  • Supporting women interested in employment, small business development, cultural work and community projects
  • Building stronger relationships between Aboriginal women, organisations and allies across the region

Throughout this work, the focus has remained on listening to women and responding to what they are saying is important to them.

Outcomes

One of the strongest outcomes has been the connections that have been built between women across the South West. Women have spoken about the importance of having a space where they feel comfortable, respected and able to speak openly about the challenges they are facing. Through the gatherings and other activities, women have built new relationships, strengthened existing networks and developed a stronger sense of belonging.

The work has also created opportunities for women to step into leadership in their own way. Some have become more involved in community activities and advocacy, while others have started exploring pathways into training, employment, cultural work and mentoring roles.

A significant priority identified by SWAWC was the need to become incorporated. While there was strong community support and a clear vision for the future, the group recognised that a formal structure would help create long-term sustainability and open opportunities to access funding and resources.

Through connections made during the Ripple Effect Project, SWAWC was linked with an experienced governance officer who was available to volunteer their time and support the incorporation process. This connection has provided practical assistance and helped move the group closer to achieving one of its key goals.

This is a good example of what the Ripple Effect Project has been about. Sometimes the most valuable support is not funding or a program, but connecting people with the right skills, knowledge and opportunities at the right time.

The project has also helped strengthen relationships between Aboriginal women across Western Australia, allowing women from the South West to connect with women from other regions, share ideas, learn from each other and work towards common goals.

Key learnings

The strongest outcomes have come from creating spaces where women feel safe, valued and connected. Women do not need to be told what their communities need. They already know. What is often needed is the opportunity to come together, build relationships, share ideas and access the support required to turn those ideas into action.

When women are supported to lead in ways that reflect their strengths, culture and lived experience, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. Families become stronger, communities become more connected and new opportunities emerge for future generations.

Michelle Woosnam, Chairperson at SWAWC, has emphasised the importance of listening to and meeting the needs of the community you’re helping. “Many women in our region are looking for genuine connection, opportunities to yarn and spaces where they feel seen, valued and heard. We’ve found that women respond strongly to practical, community-led activities that build trust and relationships over time.

The Ripple Effect Project has helped create opportunities for women to connect across regions, learn from one another and strengthen the work already happening in community. We are excited to continue building on this and creating more opportunities for women and young women to step into leadership with confidence and cultural strength.”

See the impact of KAWC roundtables

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