African Women Australia Inc

African Women Australia Incorporated (AWAU) is a national non-profit organisation dedicated to representing and empowering African women living in Australia. It serves as a vital platform to raise the voices and profile of African women, shifting the national narrative from a deficit view to a strengths-based, Afrocentric perspective. The organisation is led by skilled African women with expertise across health, social, economic, political, and non-profit sectors, ensuring that its work is deeply informed by the lived experiences of African women themselves.

Mission and Vision

AWAU’s mission is to ensure that the voices and lived experiences of continental African women and their descendants are centred and heard in Australia. It aims to address the needs of African women and their communities through diverse community engagement, development, and empowerment initiatives. The organisation’s vision is to become Australia’s hub for the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and Afrocentric information about African women, strengthening national intellectual capacity and advocacy.

Main Objectives

• Change the national narrative about African women to a strengths-based Afrocentric framework
• Conduct research that drives advocacy and outreach programming
• Advocate for human rights and African feminisms, recognising intersectionality and diversity within African communities
• Raise the profile and influence of African women in decision-making processes
• Develop programs and initiatives that respond directly to the needs of African women and their communities

Benefiting Groups

AWAU primarily serves coloured women from Africa and their descendants living in Australia. It values their knowledge, skills, and expertise, focusing on raising their voices and addressing the limited platforms available to acknowledge their strengths.

Services and Activities

• Community engagement and empowerment programs
• Research and advocacy on social justice issues including gender, racism, and violence against women
• Capacity building through training, mentoring, and leadership development
• Public education campaigns and human rights training
• Support for employment readiness and social development
• Facilitation of networking and mentoring programs tailored for African women