During March, Habitat for Humanity Victoria is conducting volunteer programs aligned with International Women’s Day (IWD). We are partnering with our Corporate Partners and Supporters to highlight the unique challenges facing women which often lead to housing stress. Together, we aim to facilitate a collective effort to empower local services providing practical relief and support to those in need.
The overarching theme for IWD this year centres around the call for every individual and organisation to #EmbraceEquity. Equity, in contrast to equality, recognises each person does not begin from the same point when it comes to their pursuit of a healthy life. Circumstances beyond their control often make it more difficult for certain individuals or communities to achieve the same goals for life, creating a disadvantaged position. This is often the lived experience of women across the globe. Equity-based solutions account for these diverse experiences, adapting services and policies to reflect these differences. (1)
At Habitat for Humanity Victoria, we recognise the unique challenges placing women in positions of housing stress. Research informs us issues such as gender pay gap, discrimination, experiences of domestic violence, and lack of support for women with children who are unable to work, often hinder their employment and income opportunities which directly correlate to housing insecurity. (2) Our vision for a world where everyone has a decent place to live means bringing attention to these challenging experiences and promoting an equitable culture where disadvantaged women and their families are appropriately supported to find and experience housing security.
Last year, we partnered with Japara Neighbourhood House in Kilsyth to create a contemplative garden for those impacted by family violence. The project spanned three days with 30 volunteers from various corporate and community groups undertaking the renovation to turn an unkempt space into beautiful and peaceful spot for reflection. The garden was opened on International Women’s Day, 8th of March 2022. It continues to be a place of connection, learning, and healing for women and families. We believe projects like this go a long way to provide practical assistance to the diverse challenges facing disadvantaged women in our community.
Habitat for Humanity Victoria is anticipating a full month of volunteering programs assisting local organisations that support disadvantaged women such as Servants Community Housing, Gateway Community Services, and Benwerren Retreat Centre for Women and Children. We thank our Corporate Partners who have already signed on to participate in volunteer days this March. We invite all businesses and organisations interested in joining our IWD2023 effort to reach out and discuss a partnership with us.
Contact:
Phil Wright
Business Development Manager
(1) https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Missions/18707/Equality-versus-Equity-What-s-the-difference-as-we-EmbraceEquity-for-IWD-2023-and-beyond
(2) https://chp.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Homelessness-and-women.pdf