Melbourne I July Update
2026.08.18
Daughters of Jerusalem
For many women from South Sudan now living in Australia, building a new life has meant much more than learning a new language or finding employment. It has meant navigating a completely different way of raising families, maintaining relationships, and preserving culture while adapting to a new society.
These challenges were at the heart of a recent Peace Leadership & Training Education (PLTE) orientation delivered by the International Women's Peace Group (IWPG) Melbourne in partnership with the Daughters of Jerusalem community in Dandenong.
On the 24th of July, 12 South Sudanese women gathered to begin a journey of learning, reflection and connection through peace education. Rather than simply introducing a course, the orientation became a space where women openly shared the realities of resettlement and the challenges affecting their families.
On Friday, 26 June 2026, seventy-one participants gathered at Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing, including community leaders, local government representatives, multicultural organisations and women's advocates, for the Women's Empowerment Multicultural Gala, jointly hosted by Wyndham Women's Magazine and the International Women's Peace Group (IWPG) Melbourne.
Among those attending were Member for Point Cook Mathew Hilakari MP, 7 Councillors from Wyndham City Council, and multiple multicultural organisations and services. The event was supported by Indian Women in Australia (IWIA), the RMIT Afghan Student Association, and Greater Western Water, demonstrating the value of cross-sector collaboration in empowering women.
The gala was created to celebrate and connect multicultural women leaders while encouraging collaboration across communities. The evening combined networking, inspiring speeches, cultural performances and interactive activities designed to strengthen relationships and promote women's leadership. Participants enjoyed a buffet dinner, story exhibitions and IWPG's popular Peace Education Bingo, an interactive networking activity that encouraged meaningful conversations between women from diverse cultural backgrounds. Throughout the evening, speakers shared stories of leadership, community service and the importance of empowering women to create stronger, more connected communities.
On July 20th & 21st, more than 1,000 women from around the world came together online over two days for the 2026 Global Women's Peace Forum, from the Asia-Pacific, Africa/ Europe, the Americas, and South Asia/Middle East, proving that lasting peace is built not only through governments, but through the voices and leadership of women in communities. Participants discussed the unique peace challenges facing their regions and identified practical solutions.
The Asia-Pacific discussions highlighted issues including gender-based violence, social division, misinformation, climate-related challenges and the need for stronger community leadership. The recommendations developed during the forum will contribute to the 2026 International Women's Peace Conference, ensuring women's lived experiences and grassroots solutions help shape future peace policies.
Highlighted the structural barriers facing migrant women, including the non-recognition of overseas qualifications and unequal caregiving responsibilities. "Peace begins when people feel they belong," she said, stressing that inclusive communities are essential for sustainable peace.
Presented "Viewing Peace Through a Human Rights Lens." She highlighted the importance of understanding peace beyond traditional security approaches, emphasising that peace is built through the choices and actions taken before conflict escalates.
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