On the eve of International Women’s Day, the Victorian Parliament Hall was abuzz with the voices of multicultural women. The Multicultural Women’s Alliance against Family Violence hosted “Balance the Scales: Multicultural Voices for Justice,” an evening of raw honesty, hope, and a clear call for change.
Veena Barsiwal, co-chair of the Alliance, welcomed the crowd on Thursday evening. Barsiwal linking the recent festival of Holi to the work ahead. “In a way, it is a beautiful symbol of multiculturalism — people coming together, celebrating differences and joy,” she said. “Today we are also here to celebrate women and the strength of women in our communities.”
But the celebration had a serious purpose. The event brought together advocates, lawyers, police and politicians to ask: how can the system better support multicultural women facing family violence?
Anasina Gray-Barberio, a Greens Member of Parliament and founding alliance member, reminded everyone this fight is not new. “When we first started, we were simply a group of women passionate about ending gender-based violence,” she said.
“We came together as volunteers, determined to make a difference.” She stressed that the voices of all women, including those with disabilities and from multicultural backgrounds, must be heard. “Gender-based violence remains an emergency and an epidemic. It has not gone away.”
Dr Vinay Rane, a specialist doctor with decades of experience in Melbourne’s north-west, spoke of the resilience he has seen. His best qualification? “I have a mother, a sister and three daughters. My life and my household have been shaped by women.”
For multicultural women, he said, challenges are greater – language barriers, visa insecurity, cultural isolation. “But they are not waiting to be saved. They are asking for systems that recognise their courage.”
A panel discussion, conducted by Alliance co-chair Nisha Gull-e-Nishat, dug into the barriers. Sonali Deshpande, the first woman of Indian heritage to join Victoria Police, spoke honestly about why women don’t come forward. “One of the biggest barriers is stigma and shame. There is often a perception that going to the police makes everything public,” she said.
For migrant women, pressure can even come from overseas relatives telling them to stay silent. “Migration itself can be an isolating experience. When people first arrive, they are focused on survival.”
Councillor Gladys Liu from the City of Melbourne highlighted the hidden crisis of homelessness among women, often triggered by family violence. “More than half of people experiencing homelessness are women,” she said, noting many multicultural women are part of the “hidden homeless” population, couch-surfing and unseen.
Julie Kun, Chair of Gender Equity Victoria added that “one in five women has a disability,” yet services don’t reflect this. “Accessibility and inclusion should not be an afterthought. Retrofitting is more expensive and less effective.”
Cindy McLeish, a Liberal MP, shared a frustrating reality: despite more money and more police call-outs, the statistics are moving in the wrong direction. She recalled a police officer telling her that while more women are reporting, many later pull back, thinking, “Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this. What am I bringing onto myself?” She asked the audience: “What more can you do in your own community? Can you talk to someone you think may be struggling?”
Professor Supriya Singh from La Trobe University shared news of a global initiative bringing together 57 experts – from sociologists to frontline workers – to develop community-centred solutions to family violence, including exploring how AI might help.
The message echoing through the room was clear: this problem requires all of us. The scales of justice are heavy, but when a community lifts them together, they begin to balance.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
