Ashiana Humanitarian Network was incorporated auspiciously on International Women’s Day in 2022, signifying our commitment to human rights for all. We are proudly led by our Chairperson, Dr Mary Nangrahary, who has worked tirelessly to advance the rights and interests of refugees and asylum seekers through her work as a doctor and as a member of the migrant community, drawing upon her own lived experience as a refugee from Afghanistan.
Ashiana’s mission and objectives #EmbraceEquity by outlining proactive steps that we will take to support genuine equity for women, particularly those who are from marginalised communities and who experience multiple intersecting circumstances of discrimination and disadvantage.
Ashiana recognises the particular vulnerabilities of women and girls from refugee and humanitarian backgrounds, who often come from countries that are war torn or have limited access to education, training and opportunity. Their isolation is amplified when they arrive in countries like Australia which are increasingly digitised and rely upon advanced communication and language skills, and an understanding of local cultural practices. Cultural, linguistic and digital illiteracy also creates barriers between older and younger generations of refugee women and girls, and undermines social cohesion. The digital environment also poses its own risks for refugee, humanitarian and migrant women whose histories and visa status make them uniquely vulnerable to gender-based violence and exploitation online, especially where they may lack the network or knowledge to seek help.
Equally, acquiring DigitALL literacy can offer new opportunities for connection, support and solidarity for women and girls, flexible work and education, and be a tool for advocacy and lasting change.
Ashiana aims to build a bridge for these women and girls to access support, services and opportunities to thrive in Australia, which includes supporting their cultural, linguistic and DigitALL literacy. As a refugee-led registered charity, we welcome women from refugee and humanitarian backgrounds to join us as members in our work, or to contact us for help where needed.
To find out more about this year’s International Women’s Day theme, follow this link to UN Women’s dedicated page.