By YASEMIN TALAT
A NEW Group launching in Brimbank is set to empower women from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
Kontiki Cultural Women Empowerment Group will launch with a sewing group where members will learn to create items from traditional African textiles.
The program is set to support newly arrived migrant women develop sewing skills which will also help them socially.
Project co-ordinator Charles Sesay hoped the group would empower women from both the African and wider communities.
“We hope to see the African women, especially the youth feel empowered and we hope they are able to do things on their own to brighten their future,” he said.
Relationships Australia community liaison officer Pirooz Jeffrey is supporting the group which is led by designer and dress maker from Sierra Leone Francess Sesay.
“It’s important in so many different aspects, the most important part is to reduce the risk of unemployment and social isolation for African women, and women of all ages from migrant and refugee backgrounds,” Mr Jeffrey said.
“Being socially isolated, unemployed or having a lack of skills contributes to their sense of isolation and hopelessness,” he said.
“We are hoping through the activities we can inform and educate the rest of the community about the gems we have hidden in the Brimbank area and to tap into the local resources, skills and talents and to promote the multicultural diversity of Brimbank.”
The group will officially launch and exhibit their work at the Sunshine Vis Hub on Saturday 5 April.
The event will also double as a fundraiser to help support the group.
The group is supported by Relationship Australia Victoria, Brimbank City Council and Sierra Leone Australians Communities of Victoria.
For more information or to book call Pirooz on 0447 490 002.
