Education

Women Empowerment & Leadership (WEL) has been a transformative journey, marked by a collaboration with Rita Anwari and a pinnacle experience at the International Small Business Summit Melbourne 2023. Engaging with Dr. Nora Amath provided profound insights into project management and WEL principles in action. Practical learning on visa processes broadened my understanding of the challenges faced by women in international business. A visit to Parliament House in Canberra facilitated meaningful interactions with ministers, emphasizing political involvement in women’s empowerment. Gratitude is expressed to Rita Anwari for mentorship that goes beyond academics, providing hands-on experiences. The meeting with Dr. Amath highlighted the importance of visionary leaders in driving positive change. Insights from investigating visa forms emphasized the need for policies addressing challenges faced by women seeking international opportunities. This experience will inform future academic and professional pursuits, contributing to the discourse on gender equality. The Parliament House visit underscored the impact of political leadership on women’s empowerment, broadening the perspective on leadership beyond the business sector. Rita Anwari’s mentorship, the summit, and interactions with influential figures have transformed this semester, expanding my understanding of WEL. The gained experiences will shape future endeavours in advocating for gender equality and women’s empowerment, making a meaningful impact in the field. Gratitude is expressed for this enriching journey.

The Journey to Parliament On the morning of Thursday, November 16th, my fellow intern Shahna Hussin, Women Empowerment and Leadership representative Prakruti Guruaj, and I embarked on a remarkable educational journey. Departing from Brisbane airport to Canberra, we were warmly welcomed by Women Empowerment and Leadership Founder Rita Anwari, marking the beginning of our exploration of Parliament. Rita Anwari organised an enlightening experience, providing us with insights into the industries we aspire to join. Our day commenced with a meeting at Old Parliament House, where UN Australian Director Damian Cardona Onses graciously guided us through a tour. He shared the history of Old Parliament House, spanning from 1927 to 1988, and showcased the Museum of Australian Democracy, including the old senate chambers and familiar landmarks like the Aboriginal Tent Assembly, which I learned about during my school years. The tour concluded with a meeting where we engaged in a valuable dialogue about the United Nations, its functions, and its current operations in the Pacific Region. Mr. Onses, alongside his colleagues, shared his diplomatic journey across five continents before becoming the UN Australian Director. Our discussions delved into the significance of the United Nations operating where nation-states face limitations. Emphasising open-door diplomacy, we explored the UN team’s efforts to establish government interlocutors in vulnerable regions for safety and security—a conversation that provided invaluable insights into my career aspirations. Following this enlightening meeting, we proceeded to Parliament House, where we met with Senator the Honourable Murray Watt and his Chief of Staff. Discussions revolved around the roles and daily lives of our country’s representatives, providing me with valuable guidance for my future career endeavours as I navigated through my final semester at university. Our last meeting of the day was with Senator Fatima Payman, who also offered guidance and support. Our day concluded by observing parliamentary debates in the House of Representatives and the Senate Chamber—a memorable experience witnessing real-time discussions about a university. I express gratitude to the Women Empowerment and Leadership team, particularly Founder Rita Anwari, for facilitating an internship that not only challenges interns to dream big but also provides real-life opportunities to actualize those dreams. I eagerly anticipate the next steps in my internship journey.

Samaria is one of Afghan Hazara Girls who arrived in Brisbane not long ago. She fearlessly completed her education with high achievement, and back in her home in Afghanistan, the Taliban closed schools for Afghan girls. Not only school but they were not allowed to go to the park or shopping all band for Afghan women and girls. In less than two years in the land of opportunity, she achieves her dream by graduating from high school with one meddle and two certificates of high achievement, which is the dream of every little young Afghan girl back in Afghanistan. Women Empowerment and Leadership founder director Rita Anwari Sultani told us this was one of my dreams to see our #Afghan#girls live in the best country and receive the best education, that means living on their dream, dreaming for a better future. She said that hopefully one day our girls in Afghanistan can go back to school and open their wink to fly as high as they can. Our Afghan women have dream-like other girls around the world, but unfortunately, they were born in the wrong land, and no one sees their value. As she working with samira to get her diving licences She said she could not wait to see her driving soon. On behalf of WEL AUS, we wish her all the best in the future.

Faculty of Society and Design and Faculty of Business. Kaitlyn is studying a double degree in a Bachelor of #International Relations / Bachelor of Business (Management) which she will graduate from in December 2023. Throughout her education, Kaitlyn has specifically researched and contributed to the discussion of women’s sex-based rights in developing countries. Kaitlyn also has extensive community volunteer and leadership experience through her involvement in Surf Life Saving as a volunteer Patrol Captain, where she enjoys giving back to her local community and ensuring public safety. WEL founder director Rita Anwari Sultani is excited to welcome her to the team where she will contribute to international women’s rights advocacy, through her education knowledge, experience, and passion for women’s rights under the direct supervision of WEL director Rita Anwari WEL will support Kaitlyn to pursue her career aspirations of working to improve government and international policy to better reflect those it represents. Both Kaitlyn and WEL believe that women-focused policy is an important subject that needs continual discussion, research, and representation to help implement meaningful positive change for women in Australia and abroad. Kaitlyn is enthusiastic to expand her knowledge of women-focused policy, rights, and issues they face through her internship at WEL which will support her in exploring these areas and developing her knowledge of women’s empowerment and leadership. We are proud to welcome her to the team and we will keep you posted on her work and contribution throughout her 12 weeks at WEL. Kaitlyn’s personal message is, “I believe all women regardless of their background, ethnicity, religion, or personal characteristics should be given the fundamental equal opportunities to always feel safe, have access to health and wellbeing resources, pursue an education and contribute to the discussion of women’s rights. Spreading awareness, improving policy, and not accepting sex-based discrimination is an important way forward in creating a more safe and inclusive future for all women.”

 Announcement  Women Empowerment and Leadership (WEL) is excited to offer a limited number of highly competitive PhD full scholarships for women from Afghanistan. If you meet the following criteria, we encourage you to apply: – Minimum IELTS score of 6.5– Master’s degree– Residing in Afghanistan (Women)– Afghan nationality To apply, please contact us at Info@welaus.com.au. Don’t send us your document till you, do not shortlist. The university makes the decision on academics, allegedly not the WEL team. Kindly note that due to the high volume of emails, we may not be able to respond to applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria. We kindly request that only eligible individuals email us. Attention: Please refrain from responding to any calls or emails from sources other than WEL. If you receive any such communications, please ignore them. #Empower yourself through education and seize this incredible opportunity! 

Please read her achievements and the work she achieved That is what we do to empower women through education Kaitlyn Internship Summary Over the past 15 weeks Women’s Empowerment and Leadership has welcomed #Bond University internee #Kaitlyn Byrne; a final year student of International Relations and Business Management. Kaitlyn has participated and contributed immensely to WEL along her journey of learning and industry experience where she has had heavy involvement in several significant WEL events and improved her skills and knowledge considerably over the course of her internship. As an #International Relations student, Kaitlyn expressed an eagerness to be immersed in and learn more about the multicultural and Muslim community. Early into her internship Kaitlyn enthusiastically took the opportunity to assist with her first event the Ipswich Multicultural Eid Celebrations. This community event was designed to bring together different ethnicities and cultures under a unified banner of the celebration of Eid. Kaitlyn confidently and gracefully managed her duties as MC and carried out her public speaking in an unfamiliar setting where she was able to gain real-world experience and utilize her skills from her university studies. Kaitlyn personally built and prepared her presentation and speech to match the values and needs of the cultures attending the event. This was Kaitlyn’s first multicultural event and experience of Eid celebration, which as MC she successfully managed and conducted professionally to help bring together the Ipswich community. Furthermore, Kaitlyn was given the opportunity to go on a trip to Canberra with the WEL team, this marked a significant highlight during her internship. Her visit to the Australian Parliament House provided her with the opportunity to witness first-hand the processes and procedures of the Australian government. Kaitlyn had the remarkable opportunity to meet with and engaged in an informative discussion with high-end representatives of the federal government including the Hon. Dr. Jim Chalmers, Treasurer of Australia. Kaitlyn’s interaction with Hon. Dr. Jim Chalmers focused on budget feedback and the future perspectives of Queensland’s youth and education. Hon. Dr. Jim Chalmers MP offered valuable insights and advice on entering an empowering career in politics and making a difference. Moreover, Kaitlyn had the opportunity to meet the Chief Secretary of the Hon. Murray Watt – Senator for Queensland This meeting gave her a unique chance to gain an in-depth understanding of the political sphere. The discussion revolved around career opportunities, involvement in ministerial operations, and advice on working in politics and government. This conversation allowed her to gain an in-depth understanding of the inner workings of government bodies and the empowering role women play in leadership positions, further highlighting the potential career paths she might pursue. Throughout her interactions with federal government members, Kaitlyn was able to effectively highlight her detailed political knowledge and understanding from her university studies. Kaitlyn also had the privilege of visiting the Speaker’s House, thanks to an invitation by Hon. Milton Dick MP Her visit allowed her to appreciate the practical application of parliamentary decision-making processes, enhancing her academic knowledge with real-world understanding. A notable highlight was when the speaker of the house Hon. #Milton Dick gave a personal acknowledgment of Kaitlyn and the WEL team’s attendance during session time. Overall, the visit to Canberra was a blend of learning and networking that considerably enriched Kaitlyn’s knowledge and understanding of the #Australian political scene. Another major event that Kaitlyn helped to run and organize was WELs first #Multicultural Citizenship Ceremony. This was a unique opportunity for a university intern to contribute to an official Australian Citizenship Ceremony. The event marked the close of National #Refugee Week, a campaign centred around the fundamental rights and freedoms that every refugee deserves. In the ceremony, the Australian community warmly welcomed 25 new citizens originating from 14 different countries. The diversity of the participants underscored the event’s overarching theme – a celebration of multiculturalism, unity, and acceptance. This ceremony was a powerful symbol of freedom and new opportunities for refugees and migrants, allowing them to experience a promising future in Australia. Kaitlyn had the opportunity of serving as MC for this milestone event. Her role was not only to guide the proceedings smoothly but also to create an atmosphere of welcoming and inclusivity. This event offered Kaitlyn an excellent platform to showcase her event management and public speaking skills. Her involvement in such a crucial ceremony also provided her with invaluable insights into the Australian citizenship process and the role of the Department of Home Affairs. After successful completion of the Citizenship Ceremony Kaitlyn received highly regarded and positive feedback from the Department of Home Affairs about how she successfully and professionally handled the protocols of the ceremony; a big professional achievement Finally Kaitlyn finished off her internship with her involvement in WEL’s first book launch event to celebrate multicultural awareness week and commemorate the historical independence of Afghanistan. The event was a great success with Kaitlyn acting as MC alongside a fellow Bond internee. The event took place at QLD parliament house and included several federal government guest speakers Shayne Neumann MP Senator Fatima PaymanSenator Paul ScarrCouncillor Jacob Madsen – Ipswich City CouncilNasrin Vaziri and a professional panel discussion with unique perspectives from members of local government, industry experts and refugees. The event created a platform to discuss the unique challenges faced by refugees and multicultural members in our community, with an emphasis on collaborative problem solving. The book launch also offered an opportunity for WEL, community leaders and members of government to stand in solidarity with the women and girls of Afghanistan who do not have the freedom to raise their voices and fight for the basic human rights they deserve. Kaitlyn not only held a key role in the preparation and planning for the event but was able to professionally and charismatically conduct the proceedings for the eventing with consideration of the cultural significant of the event. Kaitlyn Byrne’s time at WEL was characterized by her eagerness to learn, adaptability, and commitment to enhancing her professional skills. The organization has deeply

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

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

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