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Immigrant Women's
Speakout Association
The Immigrant Women’s Speakout Association (IWSA) is a key community-based organisation providing advocacy, support, education and information to women of non-English speaking backgrounds in NSW.
We offer services to women who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing homelessness; and women who are experiencing or have who have experienced domestic or family violence and abuse.
read more....Video courtesy of V-Day and One Billion Rising
Our Values
Dignity
We take a person-centered, strengths-based approach to empower women of non-English speaking backgrounds to speak, act, and choose with enhanced knowledge and confidence. We uphold the rights of all women to have dignity, choice, and independence in their lives.
Respect
We operate on the principles of anti-discrimination and respect. We strive towards equality and equity for culturally and linguistically diverse women by:
- Respecting your views and choices
- Fighting for our rights
- Challenging stereotypes seen in the mass media or other sectors of the community.
Safety
Women’s safety is our priority. We have an inclusive environment which is free from violence and harassment. We provide culturally safe and culturally appropriate services to immigrant and refugee women.
In all aspects of our work, we strive to ensure the rights and privacy of service users are upheld.
Social Justice
We do what we can to break down the barriers for immigrant and refugee women which prevent them from participating fully in our Australian society.
services
HOMWISS : ENDING DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE
Woman-to-woman support for women experiencing violence in the home or family.
Multicultural Women’s Shelter
Crisis accomodation and housing for women escaping violence or homelessness.
Immigrant Women’s Resource Centre
Skills development with social and community engagement.
Advocacy
Support, information, assistance, referrals and advice.
about us
Our Story
In March 1982, three hundred women gathered in Sydney to speak out publicly on issues affecting migrant and refugee women of non-English Speaking background. As a result of this landmark meeting, a working party was convened which led to the establishment of the Immigrant Women’s Speakout Association in 1985 and its incorporation in 1987.
Since then, Immigrant Women’s Speakout Association has focused on these key areas:
- Anti-discrimination
- Childcare
- Domestic violence
- Education
- Employment and training
- Health
- Housing
- Immigration
- Industrial issues
- Issues of access and equity
- Legal issues
Testimonials
“There’s always someone to help you… ask for advice and get counselling to find a solution out. Everyone has the right to live, to be happy” – Sangeeta, Fiji
“They [migrant and refugee women experiencing domestic and family violence] should not lose hope. And they should fight for their rights.” – Aarya, Pakistan
“Nobody will hit me, nobody will punch me. That was my past… New chapter, new life. I got something back.” – Warren, Philippines
Immigrant Women’s Speakout Association (IWSA) acknowledges the Barramattagal People of the lands on which we work and operate. We pay our respects and celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and connections to the lands and waters of NSW.