MCWH is calling for continued investment in the safety and wellbeing of migrant and refugee women in the 2025-26 Federal Budget.
Women and girls born in non-English speaking countries make up a significant portion of Australia's population, yet they face substantial barriers in accessing safety and equity. Discrimination and workplace exploitation remain prevalent, and migrant women are disproportionately affected by gendered violence and workplace sexual harassment. Despite recent governmental strides in gender equality, migrant and refugee women continue to experience significant inequities.
MCWH, a national organisation led by and for migrant and refugee women, provides tailored, in-language programs that address these issues. With sustained funding, MCWH can continue to prevent violence against women, promote gender equality, and ensure the participation of migrant and refugee women in Australia’s workforce and communities.
In our budget bid, we propose three key areas for investment to create a safer, more equitable future for migrant and refugee women:
- Extend MCWH’s national role in coordinating gendered violence prevention programs across multicultural communities.
- Fund programs that engage men and boys from multicultural communities to prevent gendered violence.
- Support the delivery of in-language education on gendered violence, workplace sexual harassment, and sexual health, using the existing infrastructure of the Health in my Language program.
These investments will ensure that migrant and refugee women are not left behind as Australia moves toward a more inclusive, gender-equitable future.