Historic event to take place in May supporting First Nations women and girls

The Australian Human Rights Commission will host an event in May which is set to inform a range of new approaches for advancing the rights, health, safety, wellbeing and economic opportunities of First Nations women and girls.

Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) will be held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra on Ngunnawal and Ngambri country from 9–11 May 2023, with a Youth Forum preceding the summit on 8 May 2023.

Taken from the Bunuba language from Western Australia’s Kimberley region, Wiyi Yani U Thangani, means ‘women’s voices’, and 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.

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 discussion, workshops and presentations across a variety of topics. 

Self-determination is a key theme, along with societal healing, intergenerational wellbeing, economic justice and empowerment. There will also be a range of networking events and activities, and both supported and paid registrations are available. 

“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,” said Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar AO.

“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.”

Program information is available here.