Melbourne hosted a forum examining the gap between grassroots leadership by multicultural women and their influence on policy, with speakers calling for stronger links between community action and institutional decision-making.
The event, organised by International Women’s Peace Group Melbourne, brought together community leaders, academics and advocates at the Multicultural Hub on April 18. Supported by the City of Melbourne and the Australian Multicultural Women’s Alliance, the forum focused on how women’s education and local leadership can translate into broader policy impact.
“Many women are already doing the work of peace in their communities, but without connection to systems, that impact remains limited,” said an IWPG representative. “This forum focused on how we bridge that gap — from community leadership to lasting structural change.”
The discussion centred on how multicultural women’s leadership can lead to measurable outcomes. Speakers stressed the need to connect grassroots initiatives with government processes and institutional frameworks.
Panellists included Nesreen Bottriell, CEO of the Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights; Dr Huong Nguyen of La Trobe University; and Carole A Shaw, CEO of UN Asia Pacific Women’s Watch.
“It’s no good being an independent voice — collective action and movement building are what drive real change,” said Carole A Shaw. “We need to bring community priorities into the decision-making spaces of local government.”
Dr Huong Nguyen pointed to the need for ongoing support for collaborative spaces linking research, community and institutions.
“Spaces where research, community, and institutions come together should be supported and funded consistently,” she said. “They are essential for guiding action and shaping inclusive policy outcomes.”
An interactive roundtable session allowed participants to share lived experiences and professional insights. Contributors highlighted barriers faced by multicultural women in accessing decision-making platforms and stressed the value of shared knowledge.
“When women come together across communities, the impact is powerful,” said a community representative from Relationships Australia. “Education and shared knowledge are key to driving that collective progress.”
Organisers said the forum reinforced the importance of recognising multicultural women as partners in shaping policy and services, particularly in a city like Melbourne with a diverse population.
International Women’s Peace Day continues to act as a platform for recognising women’s role in peacebuilding, with the Melbourne event reflecting efforts to move from discussion to practical outcomes.
The International Women’s Peace Group operates in 122 countries through 115 branches and works with more than 800 partner organisations to support peace education and advocacy. It is registered with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the United Nations Department of Global Communications.
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