Women Empowerment and Leadership

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Women Empowerment and Leadership Proudly Welcoming Shanna Hussain

As one of the 28 students from Bond University in our Internship Program under the leadership of Rita Anwari Sultani Bio & Achievement of Shahna Hussain “Shahna Hussain is an ambitious individual on a quest for excellence. Currently, embarking on her educational journey in Australia, pursuing a #master’s degree in criminology at #Bond#university This academic pursuit marks her #second#master‘s #degree, following the successful completion of both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in #human development at JD Birla Institute in Kolkata, India. Her commitment to her field is not confined to the classroom. She has actively sought out opportunities to apply her knowledge and passion. During her bachelor’s degree, she undertook a pivotal internship at Caring Minds (Psychological and Cognitive Wellness Centre) in India, where she observed and participated in critical activities such as case history taking, mental status examinations, and the administration and interpretation of psychometric tests. She also played a significant role in organizing events and workshops at the center, contributing to the dissemination of vital mental health information. Building on this foundation, she pursued further hands-on experience during her first master’s degree with an internship at Unmish (For all special needs), where she worked closely with children and young adults with special needs. In addition to shadowing teaching activities, she efficiently managed administrative tasks and coordinated events, contributing to the organization’s mission of inclusive education and support. Her commitment to the field of criminology and social justice extends to her internship experience at the Burleigh Heads Probation & Parole office in Queensland, Australia. Here, she engaged in extensive training, observed court proceedings, and reviewed complex case management procedures. This experience provided her with a profound understanding of the criminal justice system and its impact on individuals and communities. Complementing her practical experiences, she has undertaken three noteworthy research projects. One of her projects delved into the timely issue of self-radicalization and the internet’s role in promoting extremist ideologies. Another explored the enduring effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on adult life outcomes, underscoring the significance of addressing early-life trauma. Lastly, she conducted a comprehensive study examining social competence disparities among school-going boys and girls from diverse social backgrounds. Beyond academics, she has maintained a dedicated work ethic, currently contributing to her financial independence through employment at a kebab shop in Robina Town Centre. Her two-year journey in Australia has been marked by unwavering determination and a thirst for knowledge. She is poised for future challenges and eager to contribute her expertise to the dynamic field of criminology. Her relentless pursuit of excellence is fueled by a desire to make a positive impact on society and to continue her personal and professional growth. Women Empowerment and Leadership looking forward to working with young leaders #Shahna Hussain

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A Weekend in Melbourne with Women Empowerment and Leadership

Women Empowerment and Leadership had the opportunity to appear in many prominent events occurring in #Melbourne on Friday, September 22nd, and Saturday, September 23rd. Human Rights Ambassador Emelie Nordh and interns #Shenua Hussain and #Yewayi Mushaya appeared at the International #Small#Business#Summit#Melbourne Tour 2023 and the Afghan Australian Say Yes to the Voice of Parliament event. These events allowed these young women to truly immerse themselves within the realities of the industry, not only gaining firsthand experience but also placing them at the forefront of the conversations. At the International #Small Business Summit Melbourne Tour 2023, representatives Emelie, Shahna and Yewayi were educated on the current obstacles operating within the small business sphere with the chance to raise their opinions and observations. This excellent opportunity to network allowed the girls to immerse themselves in the space of entrepreneurship with specialists within the field. Conversations ranged from trade opportunities currently in Hong Kong and India as these rising powers make a splash in the industry to comments from members of parliament regarding the future of small businesses within the country. The multitude of opinions and speeches allowed the girls to gain educational value and an in-person experience to learn from industry professionals. The highlighting moment for the girls was their opportunity to address the disguised guests in attendance regarding the conversation of women in businesses. Acting as representatives of the Women Empowerment and leadership team, #Emelie and #Yewayi had the opportunity to concise their observations from their proximity to women in industry and share their opinions on what they believed was working and what barriers needed to be confronted to achieve improvement. The girls touched on the importance of creating a network where women can easily communicate their concerns to each other to develop support systems within the male-dominated field and the importance of mentorship as if the upcoming generation does not have a seat at the table, there will inherently be a limitation of heard voices and the ability to pass down knowledge and experience. In addition, the girls also talked about the conversation and women of colour and the business industry. By addressing this minority conversation, the girls allowed improvements to consider and facilitate all women in the industry to ensure equity for all. The girls acknowledged the atmosphere of support from their role models and industry professionals in the room. The accepting attitudes of the guests in attendance allowed the girls to confidently raise their points. After their speech, Emelie and Yewayi appeared on a panel alongside prominent women within the. The panel presented a platform to directly address the unique obstacles faced by women and facilitated brainstorming on how to overcome these limitations. The event proved a valuable experience to all its attendees but also as an insight into the function of the realities of the industry to our Women Empowerment and Leadership representatives. In addition to the Small Business Summit, the #Afghan#Australian Say #Yes to the #Voice of #Parliament event allowed our representatives to contribute to and observe one of Australia’s current most important conversations. The #Afghan Australian Say Yes to the Voice of Parliament event addressed the importance of a yes vote concerning the October 14th Referendum for The Voice. This event displayed evidence of migrant support for a yes vote as the Afghan Australian community showed true solidarity with its First Nations people. As the date nears, the Afghan community showed the importance of creating a space where such conversations can be held to truly educate the Australian public to achieve change. The event highlighted voices including Minister of Immigration Andrew Giles, Head of the Council of the Afghan Alliance in Australia, Dr Mohib Iqbal, and Victoria MP Sheena Watt. Emelie Nordh had the privilege of opening the event with a speech written in a contribution by our interns Shahna and Yewayi about the importance of a yes vote. The event provided the girls with an opportunity to not only show comradery but also use their voices to enhance the conversation. The weekend showed the true importance of mentorship and what the empowerment of young women can result in. Placing our representatives in these spaces is truly a priority for Women’s Empowerment and Leadership, as it allows them to impact the industry and gain the necessary skills to succeed. We aim to further support and elevate our representatives as we believe that uplifting women is essential in creating the future leaders of society. Bond University

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No Fear to Speak Out

The Women Empowerment and Leadership and Islamic Women Australia Association had the privilege of hosting a Mental Health event in Ipswich, bringing our community together. Our panel featured highly talented individuals from various communities, including the Gold Coast, Logan, and Ipswich. What made this event truly special was that two women-led associations invited men to discuss the issues in our community and the support needed from authorities. Our panel included Professor Browyn, who discussed the mental health of Australian Indigenous people, especially relevant with the referendum results just a week away. Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding – Ipswich City CouncilCouncillor Jacob Madsen – Ipswich City Council#Councillor Sheila Ireland Dr #Ali Ghafoor #Ali Kadri the CEO of Islamic Colleges, Youth Mental Health representative #Usman, legal system specialist #Sayfullah Hashimi and our Founder Director, Rita Anwari Sultani, shared their insights. The event was skillfully MC by mental health professional Pushpa Vaghela and moderated by Dr. Nora Amath Mental health is a topic close to every community member’s heart, and we’re committed to breaking the silence. Our aim is to create a space where your voices are heard, and it was a success. A big thank you to everyone who attended. Your presence made a difference. Stay tuned for updates on our future initiatives.

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WEL welcomes Yewayi Mushaya as our 28th intern from Bond University Faculty of Law and Society and Design

Women Empowerment and Leadership welcomes #YewayiMushaya as our 28th intern from Bond University Faculty of Law and Society and Design Bio “Yewayi Mushaya is a dedicated student intern at Women Empowerment & Leadership. With a strong commitment to addressing injustice, her passion for human rights has evolved through her academic pursuits. Yewayi envisions a future working for the African Union, striving to instigate effective change within her country’s political systems and promote stability across the continent to enhance the quality of life for its people. Additionally, Yewayi aspires to lead humanitarian missions, focusing on educating young girls and equipping them with the tools needed for self-empowerment and expanded opportunities in their lives. She firmly believes in the value of personal development to ensure continual growth, even in her absence. Yewayi Mushaya is currently completing her Bachelor of Law and International Relations at Bond University in her final year. As a first-generation Zimbabwean immigrant, raised in Australia for 15 years, her unique perspective has ignited her passion for human rights, with a goal of contributing to a world where individuals choose to leave their home countries by choice, not necessity.” Women Empowerment and Leadership looking forward to taking her experience to the next level through the leadership of Dr, Rita Anwari Sultani This is how we empower our community

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International Small Business Summit Melbourne Tour 2023

Women Empowerment & Leadership takes great pride in its involvement in the esteemed International Small Business Summit Melbourne 2023. We are particularly delighted to highlight the significant role played by our distinguished representative, Dr. Rita Anwari (founder and director of Women Empowerment & Leadership), who graced the occasion as the keynote speaker. This summit brought together a notable assembly of influential figures across various sectors, including distinguished members of parliament and prominent business leaders. The Women Empowerment & Leadership Association operates a program aimed at providing new women with internship opportunities, enabling them to transition from the educational realm to practical, real-world experiences. As part of this initiative, Women Empowerment & Leadership had the distinct privilege of enhancing the International Small Business Summit by extending an opportunity to three interns from Bond University, each of whom is currently in the final year of their respective master’s degree programs. These accomplished interns, namely Yewayi (Final Year Law Student), Emilie (Final Year International Relations Program Student), and Shahna (Final Year Criminology Student), were granted a distinctive platform to actively participate in the summit and contribute through a presentation focused on the topic of women in business. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering educational and professional development among aspiring women while promoting gender equality and empowerment. We are delighted to provide a comprehensive account of the experiences during our participation in the International Small Business Summit 2023, which took place in Melbourne on the 21st and 22nd of September 2023. This event has undoubtedly proven to be an invaluable experience for the interns, and they are deeply appreciative of the opportunity it afforded them. The summit featured an array of distinguished keynote speakers who delved into critical topics highly relevant to small businesses, encompassing areas such as taxation, technology, competitiveness, regulatory frameworks, and the establishment of a national Australian small business agency. The thoughtful structuring of the event, complete with breaks for morning tea freshness, a delectable lunch, and an afternoon tea break on both days, facilitated invaluable networking opportunities and the exchange of knowledge. The diverse range of topics covered provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities that define the small business landscape. Notably, the presence of honorable members of parliament lent a unique and authoritative dimension to the event. Throughout the duration of the summit, various salient topics were explored, including discussions on trade relations between Hong Kong and India, with a spotlight on India’s potential to surpass China in this regard. Additionally, insights were provided into the coalition’s support for small businesses and discussions on matters concerning education, training, and industrial relations. The summit culminated with wrap-up sessions for both days and closing remarks, marking the conclusion of this intellectually stimulating event. Our time in Melbourne was genuinely enriching, as we had the privilege to interact with numerous distinguished individuals, including several honorable ministers. We wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Anwari for her unwavering belief in her interns and for granting her interns this remarkable opportunity. Her mentorship has played a pivotal role in the intern’s personal and professional development, and we genuinely value the wealth of knowledge and experiences she has shared with the interns. As we move forward, we are committed to applying the valuable insights and knowledge acquired during the summit to further advance the mission and objectives of Women Empowerment & Leadership. We would like to extend our sincere and heartfelt appreciation for Dr. Anwari’s unwavering support and invaluable guidance throughout this transformative journey. With great enthusiasm, they eagerly anticipate the ongoing continuation of their internship under her esteemed mentorship, recognizing the potential for further nurturing the personal and professional growth of young multicultural women. Dr. Anwari’s mentorship has undeniably played a pivotal role in facilitating their transition from the educational sphere to the practical realities of the real world with confidence. Furthermore, her mentorship has empowered them, as young multicultural women, to aspire to become future leaders in their respective fields. Her guidance has been instrumental in shaping the path toward empowerment and leadership for each of these women as interns.

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“Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily, even if you had no title or position.”

On the 20th of June, Women Empowerment and Leadership was offered the wonderful opportunity to travel to the Parliament in Canberra and have a meeting with Hon. Jim Chalmers and the Chief Secretary of Hon. Murray Watt. The director and Founder, Rita Anwari Sultani, was joined by her intern, from Bond University Kaitlyn Byrnes international law and Human Rights Ambassador, Emelie Nordh International relation student. The visit to the #Parliament was incredibly fruitful. During the meeting with the incredible Hon. Jim Chalmers MP, Kaitlyn and Emelie were able to voice their ideas and thoughts on the #budget created by the Australian Labor Party Government. Furthermore, they received wonderful advice and encouragement from the treasurer of Australia, a gift that Kaitlyn and Emelie always will cherish. The team at Women Empowerment and Leadership were also fortunate to visit the Speakers House and had the honour of being personally invited by Hon. Milton Dick MP. It was a fantastic chance for #Kaitlyn and #Emelie to witness and learn about the intricate procedures at work in the Speakers House. Finally, the day ended with a meeting with the Chief Secretary of Hon. Murray Watt – Senator for Queensland, where a spectacular discussion was held, followed by remarkable insights and advice which further ignited a drive and passion for #Emelie and #Kaitlyn to realize their dreams. Human Rights Ambassador, Emelie Nordh and intern Kaitlyn Byrnes want to extend their gratitude to the parliament and especially to Hon. #Jim Chalmers for his passion and interest in listening to the youth of Australia. There is something magical when speaking and listening to the exceptional people who have been able to accomplish and become the very thing that you yourself aspire to be. This is where the ultimate inspiration and hope is created from. There are so many women around the world whose rights have been revoked and who do not have the opportunity in their society nor the tools to become empowered and to realise their fullest potential. This is a privilege that Women Empowerment and Leadership is grateful that they can provide to their incredible interns and volunteers who have big ambitions and even bigger dreams. This is what our not-for-profit organisation stands for, the empowerment of women, giving them the opportunities and tools to become the leaders of their own lives, and ultimately someday the change-makers of our time.

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Strong Vision of WEL for Empowering Women Through Education!

Women Empowerment and Leadership has a strong vision of empowering women through education and was lucky enough to be able to take its interns from Bond University on this incredible learning program. The interns had the honor of visiting the beautiful Government House in Paddington and attended a remarkable tour to learn more about the protocol of the monarchy, our democratic institutions, the history of the buildings and the previous governors, joined by our wonderful community leaders WEL’s volunteers. #WEL believes that education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world, and it is the key to unlocking the world, as it gives you the passport to freedom, and it was an honor for Women Empowerment and Leadership to give this opportunity to our young, ambitious and wise interns. #Women#Empowerment and #Leadership seeks to empower and provide the right tools to young women to harness and unlock their innermost potential and use it to inspire change. Emelie Nordh and #Yewayi’s bright journey began today when they received a wonderful opportunity to meet with the #Queensland governor Hon. #Jeannette#Young. Women Empowerment and leadership would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hon. #Jeannette#Young and the incredible government team supporting her, it was a truly enlightening experience and priviliage to be able to listen and take part of the wisdom that the governor shared. Rita Anwari Sultani, the director, and founder of WEL has always been dedicated to the vision in bringing together young aspiring women with a shared purpose and a passion for change, and to witness her interns #Emelie Nordh and #Yewayi Mushaya grow into their roles as future leaders was the most giving experience of all. In particular, to see Emelie and Yewayi be so warmly welcomed and encouraged to pursue their dreams by such an inspiring and outstanding individual as Governor Jeanette Young who has achieved the extraordinary through her hard work and dedication. Governor Jeanette Young’s parting words were to always follow your passions and dreams, to base your life on the things that bring you the most joy in life. Women Empowerment and Leadership led by #Rita Anwari, believe in the power of education and using it as tool to realize your aspiration and dreams, inspiring change and empower the people that you meet along your path. This is the purpose of our visit to the Government House, an educational learning experience where our young and ambitious interns studying law and international relations are able to see the beautiful gift that Australia offers, democracy and learning the history and the pillars in which our democracy lies on. There is something extraordinarily beautiful to witness the remarkable democracy that Australia is, and seeing the transparency which is safeguarded by our constitutions – where the public can take part in tours and meeting the governor and government officials, which unfortunately is not afforded to everyone in the world. This visit reminded us on how lucky we are to be in Australia and inspired our team at Women Empowerment and Leadership to continue to harness our collective strength and create a positive lasting impact. Thank you, Governor Jeanette Young and the wonderful tour guides who made this a day to remember.

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WEL Wish All the Best for Emelie Nordh, the New Intern!

Women Empowerment and Leadership is proud to announce Emelie Nordh completion of her internship at the WEL association under the direct supervision of Rita Anwari Sultani from Bond University International relation Law faculty. Emelie Nordh was WEL 27 intern which successfully completed 72 hours with the Women Empowerment and Leadership Association. WEL association would like to thank her for her outstanding work. Emelie began her internship with WEL at the beginning of this year and has achieved plenty during these 12 weeks. She was granted the wonderful opportunity to travel to the federal parliament house in Canberra – an enlightening and educational experience where she was able to witness the WEL team advocate for the women of Afghanistan. Furthermore, she has met prominent government officials, Milton Dick MP Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives which is a dream for any international student to become a reality. Emelie Nordh was given the incredible opportunity to fully coordinate one of WEL’s signature event “International Women’s Day ‘ voices of Afghan women At the Queensland parliament house on 11th of March 2023 She was MC for just over 100 guests including government officials parliamentary and the community leader. We would like to thank Emelie for her passionate spirit and excellent work, we wish her a great successful future ahead. We are looking forward to working with her in the near future.

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Women Empowerment and Leadership Eid Celebration and Voice of Afghan Women

On the 7th of July, the Women Empowerment and Leadership organization celebrated the rich tapestry of culture and shared communal joy at the recent Eid Celebration and Voice of Afghan Women event. Eid is an important celebration for the Islamic community which represents a time for family, celebration, joy, andcommunity. It is great that we can all be here today to share our stories, culture, food, and performances together in celebration. This is significantly important for the women of Afghanistan who underthe oppressive rule of the Taliban, Afghan women are denied many rights and freedoms, including the liberty to celebrate Eid with joy and peace in their homeland. Thus, WEL’s event extended beyondthe bounds of our immediate community, to embrace and represent these brave women, giving a platform to the ‘Voice of Afghan Women’. The Eid celebration was a tribute to their spirit, their resilience, and their strength. The event also highlighted the strength of the community with beautiful displays of cultural pride and performance including traditional dancing and musical performances. This was a special highlight for guests to witness and be united with compassion and joy. This Eid celebration was also an avenue for community education and enlightenment. The event was graced by inspiring guest speakers and riveting presentations that underscored the value of multicultural understanding and unity. These included a talk on the significance of Multicultural Art, which painted vivid imagery of our shared human experience and the beauty of our differences. Additionally, a deeply touching presentation on Mental Health Awareness, delivered by the Women Mentoring Foundation, brought attention to the often-overlooked aspect of well-being. Their insights served as an enlightening call, urging us to extend empathy and support to those struggling silently amidst us. In essence, our Multicultural Eid celebration stood as a symbol of unity, education, and resilience. It was an event that reinforced our commitment to raising awareness, uplifting the oppressed, and celebrating our shared humanity. Together, we raised our voices to echo the voice of Afghan women, and took a step forward in making a difference, one celebration at a time.

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Empowering Afghan Women through Citizenship

Saturday, the 24th of June Women’s Empowerment and Leadership had the wonderful opportunity to host their first multicultural citizenship ceremony, with the support of IWAA, the Department of Home Affairs and Logan City Council. This event helped mark the end of National Refugee Week a campaign highlighting the freedoms refugees deserve. The celebration of citizenship for refugees and migrants highlights a powerful symbol of freedom and new opportunity to  spread their wings and experience a promising future in Australia. The event was a great success with 25 new citizens from 14 different countries, being welcomed into the Australian community. The ceremony was a night of celebration, resilience and pride with shared stories of hope and a promise of a new and opportunistic future. This was especially apparent for the women of Afghanistan who were empowered through citizenship and gained the freedom to share there voices and begin a better future with the opportunity of education, independence, employment and freedom not currently allowed to them in there home country of Afghanistan. WEL is proud to have witnessed and supported these women on their journey to citizenship in Australia. The ceremony was deliver with the assistance of Hon. Dr Jim Chalmers as the Presiding Officer and two of WEL’s Interns Kaitlyn and Emelie who had the opportunity to MC this important event. This was a great learning opportunity for these two young university students to take part and MC in an official government citizenship event for the very first time. Kaitlyn and Emelie were able to expand their industry experience and gain new specialist skills for their future career paths by speaking publicly and assisting with the preparations of the ceremony. Many community leaders, guest speakers and special guests also showed their support for our new citizens and helped to make a truly memorable night for all at the WEL and the Afghan community proud to present the Afghan turban to the Dr Jim Chalmers Treasurer of the Australian federal government and award two best volunteers as Citizens of the Year That’s what we do at WEL to Empower the community.

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Women Empowerment and Leadership