Conference to challenge thinking about multicultural women

To be held at the Parkroyal Parramatta from November 3–4, the conference will host speakers including:

• The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Women
• Captain Mona Shindy, Strategic Adviser on Islamic Cultural Affairs, Royal Australian Navy
• Senator the Hon. Zed Seselja, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Multicultural Affairs
• Gladys Berejiklian MP, NSW Treasurer
• Kate Jenkins, Sex Discrimination Commissioner
• Jennifer Wong, comedian and ABC presenter

Also addressing the conference will be Renata Kaldor AO, the co-founder of the Andrew and Renata Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Ms Kaldor said: “Migration for women is more complex than for men. More often than not, women migrate because of the wishes of their husbands – not necessarily because they want to leave their country of birth. This makes their journey and settlement so much more difficult.”

The inaugural National Multicultural Women’s Conference is the outcome of a partnership between Settlement Services International (SSI) and the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA), with support from Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW.

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said the conference would facilitate a lively and productive dialogue about the unique lived experiences of multicultural women, with the aim of influencing a shift in how women are supported and recognised in Australia.

“Women from diverse backgrounds contribute so much vitality, talent and enthusiasm to our communities. They are nurturing mothers, inspirational leaders and talented entrepreneurs, and yet the challenges and opportunities they face are often unique from their male counterparts,” she said.

“The National Multicultural Women’s Conference will provide a unique platform to share perspectives, innovations and approaches affecting women, and drive further collaboration and change across sectors.”

“The conference will provide an opportunity for sharing knowledge, informing the national agenda, and recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution that women from diverse backgrounds make to our society”, said FECCA Women’s Chair Hina Durrani. “We are looking forward to an interesting and informative two days.”

Media enquiries:

SSI Communications Coordinator, Louise Wallace, 0488 680 255