Wiyi Yani U Thangani - this is your time to have your say

The Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar AO is calling for submissions from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls and key organisations for the Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) project.

As part of the project, Commissioner Oscar and her team have so far visited more than 40 communities and have heard from more than 1800 women and girls across the country in urban, regional and remote areas.

The team will be in the Pilbara region of Western Australia this week for sessions in Newman, Hedland, Roebourne and Karratha.

“I strongly encourage all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls to take part in this important project. I am looking forward to hearing what women and girls have to say about their challenges, strengths and hopes for the future.”

“This is an opportunity to be part of a national conversation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls, something that hasn’t happened since the landmark Women’s Business report of 1986,” Commissioner Oscar said.

The Australians Human Rights Commission has created a range of other opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls who haven’t been able to get to the sessions, to have their say; and a short online survey

“Tell us as much or as little as you like. Just speak from the heart and speak your truth. Your input is critical if we’re to produce a report that’s true to your lived realities and acknowledges the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls.

Commissioner Oscar is also encouraging organisations to make a submission.

“Your experience and expertise will add significant value to this work going forward. I want to hear from you and your organisation about areas that challenge you, examples of positive initiatives, and opportunities for further change.

“Community consultations will finish in mid-December, before my report is delivered to the Federal government in June next year.

“My report will carry the voices of all the women and girls we’ve met around the country and connect their lived realities with government, law and policy decision makers.

“It will deliver a strong message about what needs to change and what that change should look like,” Commissioner Oscar said.

Submissions are open until November 30.

You can find more information about the Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) project on our website

Media contact: Lindy Kerin 0430 366 529 or lindy.kerin@humanrights.gov.au

Photo: participants at the Redfern consultation. Photo by Wayne Quilliam.