The Strong Women for Healthy Country Network, supported by Mimal Land Management, is excited to announce that the 2022 Forum will be held at the Ross River Resort on Eastern Arrernte Country, from 20-22 September, with 19 and 23 September as travel days.
Here the women will continue to build upon their vision:
“We are strong Indigenous women of the Northern Territory. We stand united as one strong voice. We commit to a network that gives equal power to the rights of all our women. Strong women means healthy Country.”
ICIN Coordinator Anna Boustead had the privilege of attending the 2021 Strong Women for Healthy Country Forum in May at Banartjarl outstation, hosted by two ICIN members, Jawoyn Association and Mimal Land Management.
“It was inspiring to see around 300 Indigenous women from across the Northern Territory and beyond gather to share their knowledge and experience, as well as design a future ongoing network to support Indigenous women to seek greater recognition of their important role in caring for country and families, to take on more leadership roles and encourage more young women to get involved,” she said.
The Member for Arnhem and Minister for Women, Selena Uibo, presented to the forum. Many Indigenous women leaders spoke of the need to support other women to break the cycle of poverty, trauma and social problems afflicting many of their families.
Strong women leaders from across the Indigenous Carbon Industry Network; including Annette Miller of Mimal Land Management, Lisa Mumbin, Chair of Jawoyn Association and members of the Banatjarl Strongbala Wimun Group presented to the forum and spoke to ABC News about the importance of supporting more women to care for country.
ABC News: NT Strong Women for Healthy Country Forum gathers in Banartjarl.
Chair of Jawoyn Association, Lisa Mumbin, spoke of how she has fought for women’s rights throughout her life, through encouraging men to recognize the value of women in leadership roles as well as encouraging young women to recognize their own immense knowledge, experience and contribution to caring for country, families and their whole community. She called for reform of the Communities Development Employment Program (CDEP) to help bring about badly needed changes to Indigenous communities.
Many women leaders highlighted the importance of creating more women ranger jobs to support young women to care for country and their families. Indigenous carbon projects generate revenue which is supporting the creation of more women ranger roles, and the formation of dedicated Women Ranger teams, such as the Warddeken Daluk Ranger Group and the Mimal Women Rangers.
Details about event registration, travel, and program will follow as the Message Sticks continue to plan the 2022 Forum. All Indigenous women working to heal Country - including communities, families, and people – will be able to register for the event for free.
Contact the SWHC Coordinator, Kate van Wezel, to find out more at [email protected] or visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/strongwomenforhealthycountrynetwork/