Towards Equality 2020 and Beyond is a Uniting Communities for Children Hume (CfC) funded project that connects Banksia Gardens with local organisations to run three women’s groups, creating an amazing opportunity for women from diverse cultural backgrounds, including many recent migrants, to connect with their culture, learn new skills and campaign against family violence.
This helps contribute to the Uniting goal of providing care and support for people facing difficult circumstances, and building connected, child-safe communities where families from all backgrounds can thrive.
We want to celebrate the incredible work being done in this project by spotlighting some touching stories of support and advocacy in the El Amal women’s group.
In January 2025, Zahra of the El Amal (Arabic speaking) group experienced a distressing loss when over $18,000 worth of her jewellery and cash were stolen during New Year’s Eve celebrations. She had believed her cherished items would be safer with her than at home alone, but ultimately feared she would be left with nothing when police took no action due to ‘lack of evidence at the scene of the robbery.’
If experiencing this loss and financial hardship weren’t enough, Zahra’s distress was compounded by significant language barriers. She found the insurance claim process overwhelming and inaccessible. With nowhere else to go, she turned to her El Amal group facilitator Lilah for help.
Lilah provided immediate, hands-on support. She supported Zahra to lodge her insurance claim, acted as the main contact with the insurer, and managed ongoing communication and documentation over more than six months, all while ensuring Zahra understood each step and felt supported throughout.
Through persistent and relentless advocacy, the insurance company finally approved a replacement for the stolen jewellery. Without this support, Zahra would have been left with a devastating financial and emotional burden – but through the strength of her relationship and trust built with Lilah, she did not have to face the challenge alone.
Stories like Zahra’s are not isolated. Across the El Amal Women’s Group, these trusted relationships have created opportunities that extend far beyond the group itself.
Last December, the El Amal group joined with three other Arabic-speaking groups for the 16 Days of Activism campaign. They performed two powerful songs, one calling for an end to violence, and another uplifting women with messages of empowerment.
Nadia, a member of the group from Syria, brought with her a strong background as a primary school Arabic teacher. After arriving in Australia, she aspired to continue her career in education, but the process of obtaining local qualifications presented a significant barrier.
During group sessions, Nadia’s passion for teaching and her natural ability to connect with others was clear. With encouragement from her facilitator, she began exploring the idea of running Arabic classes for local children. The idea resonated throughout the group, with several mothers expressing interest in this culturally meaningful learning opportunity for their children.
The El Amal group performing at a 16 Days of Activism event.
Beginning with four students, the sessions were met with enthusiasm from both children and parents. Children remained engaged even after a full school day, and parents valued both Nadia’s teaching style and the opportunity for their children to strengthen their cultural and linguistic connections.
Through the support provided by the facilitator and her fellow group members, Nadia regained confidence in her abilities and reconnected with her identity as an educator. What began as a small idea within the group became a meaningful step toward rebuilding her career, contributing to her community and regaining a sense of purpose.
These stories highlight the impact that these Women’s Groups can have. By fostering trusted relationships and creating safe, supportive spaces, the program enables women to overcome barriers and turn aspirations into reality. In doing so, it strengthens not only individual participants, but the wider community.
*Some details such as names have been changed to maintain anonymity.
