Wiyi Yani U Thangani Women’s Voices ‘Securing Our Rights, Securing Our Future’
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Published:
Topic(s): Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice / Indigenous Social Justice, Children
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar AO will today launch the Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) project.
The project will be led by the Australian Human Rights Commission in partnership with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Commissioner Oscar will be joined by the Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion at today’s launch.
The project will build on the legacy of the Women’s Business report of 1986, which was the first and last time national consultations were held with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
“It is remarkable to me, that this report represents the first time that the views of Indigenous women were sought by government. Three decades later, Wiyi Yani U Thangani is a continuation of that journey,” Commissioner Oscar said.
The project will include a series of community visits and conversations with Indigenous women and girls around the country from early next year.
“From our remote communities to our urban centres, I hope to highlight the diversity that exists among us, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls.
“There are significant opportunities to grasp here, to ensure that our needs and aspirations and our voices are at the forefront of the government’s agenda – beyond the narrow frame of victimhood and dysfunction.
“The experiences of our women everywhere, but particularly in the justice space, and in the stories of people like the late Ms Dhu and Rosie Fulton and of our girls in care and juvenile detention are crying out for greater visibility, for greater coordinated effort and greater weight within the halls, laws and policy of government.
“This process will not shy away from the hard truths, but equally it will seek to highlight the enormous strength that exists amongst us,” Commissioner Oscar said.
Wiyi Yani U Thangani means Women’s Voices in Commissioner Oscar’s Bunuba language.
“Together we will raise our voices as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls and together, we will deliver a message to government that demands to be heard,” Commissioner Oscar said.
What: Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) project launch
When: Friday December 1, 2017
Where: Australian Human Rights Commission
Level 3, 175 Pitt Street, Sydney
Time: 9:30am
Media contact: Lindy Kerin 0430 366 529 or Lindy.Kerin@humanrights.gov.au
