By Matthew Sims
East African women across Melbourne’s west are nearing the end of a 10-week pilot Daughters of the West program.
The joint program from the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, Victoria University’s Stronger Communities Innovation Hub and the East African Women’s Foundation, the program is targeting mental health, reproductive health, rights at work, nutrition and connection to local community services.
This year is the first edition of the program tailored to 25 women from Eastern Africa.
VU lead investigator Associate Professor Camilla Brockett said the pilot program is connected to the Sons of the West and Daughters of the West program, as well as a similar program recently held for Vietnamese people in the west, and allows for those within the East African community to access health information in their language.
“Community voice is at the heart of this participatory action research – identifying barriers and enablers for program participation to create accessible programs that meet the needs and cultural values of community, with the ultimate aim of reducing health inequity in the west,” she said.
Western Bulldogs Community Foundation community health and wellbeing manager Alyce Vella said the project is providing an opportunity for women who may otherwise have faced barriers to health education and physical activity.
“At the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, we are deeply aware of the need to provide culturally safe spaces for members of our community, and we are also cognisant of the fact that this needs to be developed in partnership with the community,” she said.
East African Women’s Foundation chairperson Fartun Farah said the program is making a “huge impact” on participants.
“The women enjoy the social connection while being involved in physical activity and having fun,” she said.
“Community programs like this connect women and make a real difference in their lives.”
The program is also possible thanks to the support of Maribyrnong City Council.
Details: www.eastafricanwf.org or www.westernbulldogs.com.au/foundation/programs/daughters-of-the-west
