Introducing Rachael

Rachael is joining us from Victoria this week as one of the 8 young women taking part in the week of training, lobbying and networking.




Rachael is the Youth and Women’s Officer at the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council, the peak body for multicultural community broadcasting. 


Rachael has been involved in radio broadcasting since 2002 and has produced content for radio programs such as the multicultural women’s program and multicultural youth program on 3ZZZ FM Multicultural Community Radio, Alchemy and World View programs on SBS Radio and the Student Youth Network (SYN). 


Rachael holds an Honours Degree in Political Science and Migration Studies and a Diploma in Modern Languages from the University of Melbourne. She is also a board member of the Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women's Coalition.


Welcome Rachael,


The NIRWA Team

Introducing Nunia

We'd love you to meet Nunia, from the ACT.  Nunia is one of the 8 Young Women joining the AIRWA Team this week.  

My name is Nunia and I am 18 years old. I graduated college last year and I am currently studying at the Canberra institute of technology. I was born in Tonga and I migrated with my family to Australia in 2007.  


I am interested in participating in the lobby training because I have gained insight on the work AIRWA performs through my time as a summer intern. I want to develop my skills and knowledge in the national gender movement as I want to pursue a career in human rights.


Welcome Nunia!


The AIRWA Team

Welcoming the 8 Young Women joining the AIRWA Team this week

This week the AIRWA team will be joined by 8 young women from around Australia to take part in a week long program of training, lobbying and networking and we would like to Welcome them to Canberra and introduce them to you: 

•  ACT: Nunia Tuinukuafe, age 18, Tongan
•  VIC: Rachel Bongiorno, age 29, Italian/ English
•  WA: Elizabeth Lang, age 24, South Sudanese
•  NSW: Alexandra Tindick, age 21, Philippines
•  QLD: Afifa Sarwar, age 29, Afghanistan
• NT: Emcille Cada, age 27, Phillippines
• SA: Adut Zita Deng Ngor, age 32, Southern Sudanese
• TAS: Amony Elder, age 19, Sudanese

The Australian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Alliance (AIRWA) sought one young women of immigrant and refugee background from each State and Territory to attend a week of lobbying alongside AIRWA board members and staff. 

Following 2 days of training the 8 young women will accompany AIRWA board members and staff to Federal Parliament, where they will get the opportunity to use their skills to directly lobby politicians on the ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, as well as in a round table with politicians to speak about issues of significance to young women of immigrant and refugee background. 

The 8 young women will also stay on in Canberra and celebrate International Women’s Day alongside AIRWA and the other 5 National Women’s Alliances providing an excellent networking opportunity for all delegates.

Welcome to Canberra!

The AIRWA Team 

Indu's In Her Shoe Story

Indu shares her In Her Shoe story with us ....

Indu's Shoes 

Here's one of my stories....

A. Why did you choose this shoe?

I have always had a pair of kolhapuri chappals in my cupboard - they are versatile, simple, and just beautiful.

B. Do you have anything in common with this shoe?

Its heritage is clear (much like me), and it is grounded.

C. Describe a rewarding or challenging moment you have had in Australia in this (or any) shoe.

I was on the ferry with my family last week, when a grandfather who taking his grandkids into the city asked if I was visiting Australia to watch the cricket. Sigh. Twenty five years and still explaining that this is my home.....


Thanks Indu, we appreciate you!

The AIRWA Team

Hannah's In Her Shoes story

Hannah shares her story with In Her Shoes ...  


"I moved to Australia for (among other things) better opportunities and am now following my passion of helping people lead fit & healthy lives.
. 
I'm not much of a shoe person, but these shoes are the best running shoes I've ever had, they go with almost anything, they glow when running at night(!), I workout and work in them and they're a great conversation starter :)"

Hannah's fabulous shoes!

We are loving all of the wonderful and inspiring stories that you are sharing with us at In Her Shoes! 

Thank you, 

The AIRWA Team 

In Her Shoes: What do your shoes say about you?

Three different attitudes towards shoes ...

Three amazing migration experiences ....

Introducing Zoe

We'd love you to meet our wonderful Intern Zoe!

I have almost completed my second week (I am completing a month internship for university) as an intern for the Australian Immigrant and Refugee Women`s Alliance (AIRWA). I have come at an exciting time for AIRWA, with a range of vastly different projects occurring within the organization. These projects range from the Children’s Sanctuary for the Canberra Multicultural Festival, to International Women’s Day to lobbying at Parliament House.  I have been lucky to be involved in all of these areas.

The launch of the social media campaign In Her Shoes has been the main focus of my internship. It is an innovative campaign that appeals to all generations. I encourage everyone to become involved in this great campaign. It has been a highlight to read the stories of women and men on the In Her Shoes Facebook page. It is a great way to gain an insight into others’ lives.

Finally to sum up my internship in a few words so far, challenging, exciting and educational. AIRWA has given me an insight into an NGO, and re-affirmed this is where I wish to head career wise.




Zoe is an amazing part of our team!

The AIRWA Team 

We LOVE Marie Claire!

Marie Claire Cover March 2012

In Her Shoes just got a shout out by Marie Claire Magazine Australia in its March Agenda mention .. 

We love you Marie Claire!


The AIRWA Team 

A little taste of In Her Shoes ....

Welcome

Good Morning!

We are so excited to have started our new blog for AIRWA and we are really looking forward to sharing some great stories with you along with some interesting articles and interviews.

We have so much planned over the next few months and we'd love you to share the journey with us.

Welcome and thank you for being here with us!

The AIRWA Team