Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights | Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights

Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights

Wed, 04/09/2008 - 05:54 — Reception

Islamic Women's Welfare Council of Victoria is a community welfare organisation established and managed by Muslim women for Muslim women. The Council was established in 1991, as a non-religious organisation reflecting the ethnic, cultural, linguistic and sectarian diversity of Muslim women living in the state of Victoria.

The Council is founded on the belief that meaningful change in the status of Muslim women is to be achieved through the improved situation of Muslim women individually and building their capacity collectively. To this end, the Council aims to facilitate Muslim women's full participation in Australian society. The Council is a grass roots organisation, informed by the historical, present and evolving status and needs of Muslim women, reflecting the impressive and complex diversity present in the Muslim Australian community. 

The Islamic Women's Welfare Council aims to facilitate Muslim women's full participation in Australian society by:

  • developing and delivering programs and services to meet the needs of Muslim women in a manner consistent with their values,
  • empowering Muslim women through information, skill development, support and advocacy,
  • promoting social justice, access and equity in the provision of services to Muslim women, 
  • promoting women's right to equality, justice and self determination,
  • promoting the complexity and diversity of Muslim women's identities, and building an interconnectedness between women through increased awareness of their common and diverse challenges,
  • working to eliminate discrimination against Muslim women both within their community and in the broader social, economic and political spheres of Australia.
  • contributing to the development of knowledge about Muslims at all levels of government, amongst professionals and within the general community.

The Council's work has been welll recognised by various levels of government, the service system and by the community. Current work priorities of the Council include:

  • settlement of newly arrived women into Victoria,
  • poverty and housing,
  • violence aganist Muslim women,
  • capacity building and leadership development,
  • education and training,
  • economic participation.

The Council works toward these priorities by:

  • providing generalist support service,
  • assisting women to locate housing anf shelter,
  • undertaking a community education campaign on citizenship and Australian law,
  • providing parenting education sessions,
  • developing leadership capacities in Muslim women,
  • facilitating communication skill development among young women,
  • conducting research and community education campaign on violence against Muslim women,
  • working against racial, religious and gender based crimes and vilification of Muslim women,
  • lobbying and advocating on behalf of Muslim women.

Services available to Muslim women

All Muslim women living in Victoria are entitled to access services and programs provided by the Council. Current services operating at the Council include:

  • information and referral,
  • individual casework support and counseling,
  • range of skill development group work and community education sessions,
  • recreation and support groups,
  • individual mentoring programs,
  • volunteer and student placements.

For mainstream and community organisations, government and academic institutions:

  • cross-cultural training and training on Islam
  • secondary consultations
  • research
  • projects
  • student/volunteer placements
  • publications

 

Committee Members

Tasneem Chopra : Chairperson

Wed, 04/09/2008 - 05:54 — Reception

Tasneem has been involved with the Council since its inception over 17 years ago. Her history at the Council coupled with a background in psychology and experience in community development has seen her venture out independently as a cross-cultural consultant with a particular interest in promoting issues of social justice.

Rasheeda Cooper - Treasurer

Wed, 04/09/2008 - 05:54 — Reception

Rasheeda was born in Australia and lived in India for two years, spending time with the urban poor there. Her experience of travel and working with Muslim communities in other countries has been an important contribution to the Council.

Hena Kalam - Secretary

Tue, 05/20/2008 - 09:09 — Reception

Hena Kalam is a professional engineer and mother of two daughters. She completed her Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and Bachelor of Science from the University of Melbourne.

Urfa Masood - Vice Chairperson

Wed, 05/21/2008 - 00:27 — Reception

Urfa Masood is a Barrister with degrees in Law (Hons) and Economics from the Australian National University in Canberra.

Nasya Bahfen - Public Officer

Wed, 09/10/2008 - 04:31 — Reception

Nasya Bahfen lectures in radio journalism at RMIT and works regularly in the newsrooms of ABC Radio Australia and SBS Radio.

Fazila Hajeb

Thu, 09/11/2008 - 00:12 — Reception

Fazila was born in Kabul Afghanistan and has been living in Australia since 1986 when she came here as a refugee.

Anisa Buckley

Thu, 11/20/2008 - 04:16 — Reception

Anisa Buckley is a PhD candidate in Islamic Studies at the University of Melbourne. Her previous qualifications include an MA (Islamic Studies) from the University of New England, a Graduate Certificate in International Development from RMIT, and a B.Ed from The University of Sydney.