An initiative of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria (GOCMV), the Cross Cultural Women’s Leadership Forum will bring together women from diverse cultural backgrounds who are active in Victorian ethnic community organisations in decision making and leadership roles in their respective communities.
The aim is to provide an opportunity for an honest and open exchange of experiences for women who are involved within their ethnic communities at a voluntary and leadership level, including discussion of real and perceived barriers to participation, perceptions within the community and common issues faced within both established and newly arrived communities.
Funding for this project has been granted through the Victorian Government’s Office of Women’s Policy with the support of the GOCMV. The main speaker at the forum will be former Premier of Victoria and Patron of the Cooperative for the Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition, Ms Joan Kirner.
The forum will include panel discussions on three key themes:
1. Representing your community – women on community boards to discuss leadership in ethnic community organisations; barriers to participation; marginalisation into women’s groups; skills and expertise and other relevant issues.
2. Working with government – understanding the various departments and agencies that can assist women in community organisations; representative councils, grants and programs available.
3. Women as bearers of culture – the role women play in maintaining ethnic community traditions and customs.
The forum will be held on Thursday 16 June in Melbourneand is by invitation only. Visit: www.greekcommunity.com.au