Now in its eighth year, the Caritas Australia ‘Women for the World’ event has brought together Australians to stand in solidarity with their sisters across the globe, bringing in an impressive $106,000 for programs supporting women and girls in just one day.  

Described by founder of the event Michelle Fernon as a “global sisterhood that crosses borders, connects communities and creates change”, Women for the World highlights the need for continued focus on women’s empowerment and rights, particularly in vulnerable communities. 

The event was attended by over 150 people including corporates, long-term supporters of Caritas Australia, Board members and staff.

As a keynote speaker, Caritas Australia CEO Kirsty Robertson said: “Women for the World is truly an amazing initiative, together we get to cross borders, together we get to create lasting change in the lives of women throughout the world. Poverty definitely has a woman’s face, in no country do women and men share exactly the same rights and women are still far more likely to live in poverty than men. We help women get an education, we help women access healthcare, and we help women have a voice. A voice is a powerful opportunity, one that we certainly take for granted here in Australia.”

Acting Country Director for Caritas Australia in Papua New Guinea, Roslyn Kuniata presented about Caritas Australia’s programs, including the Centre of Hope, a protection program that provides safe shelter for women and children impacted by sexual and gender-based violence. 

Ms Kuniata said: “I am so pleased to be here today to see so many people here today in support of Women around the world. I believe that by empowering each other and working together we can change the world for the better.”

A highlight of the event was an interactive “competition” between three potential programs designed to help change lives for a better future for women and girls, in Papua New Guinea, Nepal and Zimbabwe. Guests were able to cast votes on their favourite program by ballot during the event. The Centre of Hope program in Papua New Guinea was the winner. The competition was a novel way to include valued supporters into the planning and development process of Caritas Australia’s programs. 

Photo: Michelle and Vincent Fernon at the Caritas Australia Women for the World event.
Aurora Sice, Caritas Australia

November 2022