FOR THE NEW GOVERNMENT: THERE IS WORK TO BE DONE FOR WOMEN - AFGHAN WOMEN ON THE MOVE WANTS TO HELP
Maryam Zahid, founder of Afghan Women On The Move (AWOTM), joins all Afghan Australians in congratulating Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Senator Penny Wong and Katy Gallagher on their election to government of Australia.
Our community wishes them every success and looks forward to working collaboratively with their government in progressing Australia and Afghanistan humanitarian support programs.
“This election delivered a new political landscape, reflecting several key and urgent issues relating to integrity and equity. Our wonderful local member Michelle Rowland MP knows our mission. Our community needs urgent help with housing, the cost of living, equity for women and those from other cultures. We especially support delivering the voices and practices of Australia’s First Nations peoples into government.”
“On a personal note, I want to thank Penny Wong for being one of the first to ring me when Kabul fell to the Taliban August 2021. I see this as a time to make a difference and I urge you all to bring about a fairer multicultural policy with a strong focus on women,” said Maryam today.
AWOTM was heartened by the recent Fair Work Commission recognition of the gravity and prevalence of domestic violence in its approval of 10 days paid domestic violence leave. This is an important breakthrough, and we call on government to assist employers to develop programs to provide this benefit.
AWOTM is especially concerned to ensure refugee women get mental health and financial support if they are victims of domestic violence, irrespective of their visa status.
AWOTM started four years ago, is refugee lead, and a peak body representing and fostering community cohesion, women’s empowerment and multicultural community representation in Australian and Afghanistan humanitarian programs. We are open to all faiths and are non-politically based. We maintain close relationships with local, federal and state governments, the diplomatic corps and industry groups of all types. We showcase opportunities to the Australian Afghan community of over 5000 people through an active program of events and information.
We look forward to working with the new government and anyone else at the decision-making table, to address long-term disadvantage for multicultural women. Together we can deliver a fairer Australia for all Australians.