Dear Friends,
As we approach International Women's Day this March, we reflect on our Institute's journey and the vital work ahead. Since launching in March 2024, the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute has been strengthening our foundations, building partnerships, and amplifying the voices of First Nations women, girls and gender-diverse mob across the continent and internationally.
This International Women's Day marks 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The Declaration provided a blueprint for achieving gender equality – not as a distant aspiration, but as an achievable reality in our lifetimes.
Over these three decades, First Nations women advocates have shown extraordinary strength in holding institutions accountable and driving change in their communities. Yet as we celebrate these achievements, we must confront both the work that remains and the global pushback against hard-won intersectional gender equality gains.
For First Nations women and gender-diverse people, this journey toward justice has never been straightforward. As our Chair June Oscar AO reminds us, "I believe in an arc of justice, but I do not believe the destination we seek is inevitable, that progress is always linear – far from it. It is always our hard work and determination that bends the arc toward justice."
First Nations women have led Australia's crucial conversations about social justice, including constitutional recognition, climate action, and cultural preservation. Our rights have been hard-won in a nation that denied them at federation. But for Wiyi Yani U Thangani – for women's voices – to truly matter, we need more than to be heard. We must be valued partners in creating change.
This International Women's Day honours the Beijing Declaration's 30th anniversary under the theme "March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls." For this milestone to fulfil its promise, First Nations women must be at the centre of our collective vision for gender justice.
Recently, team members Terri Reid, Project Coordinator (she/her) and Banok Rind, Institute Co-Lead (she/her) engaged in online conversations to continue to elevate the voices of First Nations women, girls and gender-diverse peoples.
Banok joined Carers NSW Australia's panel exploring the topic "Empowering First Nations carer voices: Transforming policy and practice." The webinar explored insights from current and emerging evidence on the lived experiences of First Nations carers in Australia, highlighting practical strategies to enhance their voices and transform carer-related policy and practice.
"First Nations caring practices are deeply embedded in our cultural responsibilities and kinship systems. When we centre First Nations carers' voices in policy development, we create space for culturally safe and holistic approaches that recognise the unique strengths of our communities. This transformation isn't just about improving services—it's about honouring the wisdom and experience that First Nations carers bring to this important work." — Banok Rind, Co-Lead
Terri spoke to the critical importance of working alongside First Nations women for the health of climate and Country in a conversation with Women's Climate Congress. The webinar was part of discussions about the 'transformational decade' towards 2035 emissions reduction targets, exploring how First Nations and settler women can form innovative partnerships to amplify voices to support gender justice and self-determination. Watch webinar recording here
"First Nations women have always been at the forefront of caring for Country. Our knowledge and governance systems hold the solutions we need for real climate action. But this isn't just about the environment—it's about self-determination, justice, and ensuring that First Nations women are leading in shaping the transitions ahead. Climate justice and gender justice are deeply connected, and true partnerships require more than consultation; they require co-creation, respect, and a commitment to structural change.”
— Terri Reid, Project Coordinator
Ember Connect is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led national collective that illuminates a path for us to seek out our truest aspirations – to lead a life of choice – in a society where we are valued.
Ember Connect Live is a free online platform that brings together women from across Australia together to share stories, experiences and resources.
It’s a living and breathing space that facilitates the learning and connections we need to seize opportunities with both hands and move forward, grounded in confidence.
Working with women across the key areas of professional development, personal development, healing and culture, Ember Connect connects women to key people, pathways and opportunities – and to influence systemic change through advocacy and education.
Wildfire Series - New Podcast Launch
Ember Connect has launched "Wildfire", a new podcast sharing stories and insights from their community. The podcast is free to listen and available to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and allies.
We know First Nations women, girls and gender-diverse people are doing incredible things every day. We’ll be highlighting these stories in our newsletter. Have you got a story of you’d like us to share? Let us know via wyut@anu.edu.au.
The Kimberley Aboriginal Women's Council (KAWC) has launched their 2025-2027 Strategic Plan at Federal Parliament House in Canberra. Their powerful presence ensured First Nations women's leadership, rights and self-determination are front and centre on the national agenda as we approach the federal election.
Since 2017, KAWC has been a vital collective of women working to empower and create change in their communities.
Their new plan envisions a Kimberley where Indigenous women are "empowered and resilient" and where they can take action for a just and equal future. The plan approaches this work through a decolonising lens, focused on telling truth and nurturing reconciliation, while strengthening the Aboriginal community-controlled sector and advancing Closing the Gap priorities through community-led solution.
KAWC CEO Janine Dureau emphasised why backing First Nations women's leadership matters:
"When Aboriginal women are empowered to lead, they drive solutions that create social, cultural, and economic benefits for all Australians. It's time for the Federal Government to back our leadership and amplify our impact."
As we set ourselves up for a busy 2025, we're ensuring we lay the foundations for sustainable working practices. One simple thing we have been doing this is encouraging the team to go for a walk during the work day.
Whilst on a walk, team members are encouraged to leave their headphones at home, listen to all the sounds of the world surrounding them to connect to the environment around them.
Choosing when to take this walk is also an act of self-reflection, with it requiring us to be aware when we may be feeling a bit stuck, a bit low on energy, and requiring a break to be in touch with our body and mind.
Are you an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander leader based in northern Australia with a passion for Indigenous business and industry growth? The Northern Australia Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) is seeking Expressions of Interest from individuals committed to creating sustainable opportunities and maximising Indigenous outcomes in the region.
Apply by: 28th February 2025
The first National Indigenous Women Rangers Network (IWRN) Forum invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women rangers to join over 200 of their peers for three days of empowerment, connection and collaboration. This groundbreaking event includes connecting, sharing, training, networking, mentoring and on-Country activities.
Dates: 4-6 March 2025 (Queensland IWRN Forum: 3 March)
Location: Cairns, Queensland
Who can attend: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women rangers only
This forum brings together experts, community leaders, and practitioners to elevate the voices of the next generation in preventing Indigenous suicide. Participants will share insights, learn from one another, and form partnerships to strengthen our collective approach to suicide prevention.
Dates: 4—6 March
Location: Eora/Sydney
The Women’s Climate Congress (WCC) invites women of Australia, in all our diversity, to come together with other women to explore how women are leading a national and international paradigm shift to promote more rapid action on climate change based on compassion, kindness, and care for all life on Earth.
Dates: 28-30 March 2025
Location: Castlemaine, Victoria
This conference brings together Indigenous Peoples from across the globe to reflect on successes and map future pathways to advance Indigenous Data Sovereignty. The conference marks ten years since the first Indigenous Data Sovereignty event. The first two days (1-2 April) are exclusively for Indigenous Peoples and communities, with governments and non-Indigenous organisations joining on the final day (3 April).
Dates: 1-3 April 2025
Location: Kambri at The Australian National University, Ngunnawal Country (Canberra)
Who can attend: Indigenous Peoples for days 1-2; open to all on day 3
This review captures the perspectives and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people involved in implementing the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. It offers multiple ways to contribute including an online survey, written submissions, place-based forums, and an in-person Assembly in Canberra. The review is independent of Government and seeks to maintain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives as central to Closing the Gap.
Assembly dates: 1-3 April 2025
Location: Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country (Canberra)
Apply by: 24 February 2025, 5:00pm AEDT (for Assembly attendance)
This program provides practical training for women from all backgrounds who want to drive change through political leadership. Participation is fully funded. The program prioritises creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment where First Nations women and women from diverse political, cultural and professional backgrounds can thrive, share their unique perspectives, and build their political know-how.
Contact: Pathways to Politics Program
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