Multicultural Women's Programs
Women are the fabric of our society and are often a huge source of support to their families and communities. At MFO we recognise the amazing courage, strength and resilience of all women from all religions and cultural backgrounds.
However, we also understand that sometimes CALD women are faced with additional obstacles when navigating life in a new country and we can provide ongoing case management, advocacy, mentoring, and social support even after the initial settlement period has ended.
Our services are aimed at empowering women with information and guidance so they can excel and thrive. We provide career support and mentoring and case management as well as a variety of programs and groups including:
The Multicultural Women’s Friendship Group
This group welcomes women of all ages, all cultures and all religions to come together in friendship and harmony with a special focus on social inclusion and integration into the wider Gold Coast community.
Many of the women are migrants who are new to Australia or new to the Gold Coast. This group supports them to practice their English, learn about Australia and build a support network through sharing food and stories and learning about each other’s cultures and local services. We also share our special talents with each other such as cooking and arts and crafts and go on exciting excursions.
This group is run in collaboration with Services Australia, Queensland Police Service and NDIS. We now host two different groups, one Arundel and one in Reedy Creek.
Crossing Borders Project
Crossing Borders was a women's empowerment project that was developed in collaboration with Placemakers* Gold Coast in 2021 and presented as a live performance at HOTA in November during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence. This production will be featured as a part of the Bleach* Arts Festival in 2022 and provides the opportunity for 11 migrant women to share their story in a creative space to the wider community.
BeHive Project
Our sewing group has partnered with environmental organisation BeHive to save heavy plastic bags used for grains and wheat from landfill. We have designed fabulous tote bags and decorated them with fabrics that were also bound to rubbish bins. These bags are available for purchase from our op shop and all proceeds go directly to the women who made them.
Multicultural Women's Network Gold Coast
MFO administers the Multicultural Women's Network Gold Coast Facebook group and the
Multicultural Women’s Network Leadership Group to share information and provide a platform for CALD women to collaborate on projects and ideas. MFO also host a number of information workshops and functions to celebrate the achievements of CALD women on the Gold Coast.
To join any of our groups or for more information about our services please contact Rana at MFO by calling us on 07 5571 0381 or fill in the below form.
