Brief summary of presentation of information made

The meeting focussed on the journey of the Aboriginal people of Australia. Aboriginals were marginalised by the Australian Government who controlled every section of their lives. Changes started to be made to this in the 1960s. Aboriginal history is not compulsory in Australian schools, and their linear history is not taught to everyone in Australia, hence, the lack of information on this portion of their history. “This is the truth of Australia – the true history – stolen wages, stolen lands, stolen children. We were only counted as an actual people and citizens of this country in 1967.” [Phillipa McDermott]

Despite their experience with all these policies and discrimination, Australian Indigenous Women rose, used varied skillsets, and took up leadership roles to fight for their rights.

“I never saw anyone that looked like me, or if I did, it was on the nightly news when something bad had happened. I rarely saw a good news story, and I knew how powerful that was, and I was desperate to change it.” [Phillipa McDermott]

Aboriginal people are still fighting against this discrimination, not only as indigenous people, but as women of their lands. People still underestimate aboriginal Australia. They have partnered with various organisations to help dismantle policies and practices that still exist against aboriginal women and discriminating as well as marginalising Australian aboriginal people. Some women took up law as well as media to use their voices to fight for their people.

“You don’t need to fight to be a woman to fight for equality. You only need to become a decent human being.” – Taylah Gray

“There was this perception in the so-called Australian society that, ‘Indigenous people are treated no more than domestic cows. Their morals are so low that it is impossible for them to be right…’” (Taylah Gray)

They encountered not only racism, but also sexism and lack of education and basic needs such as shelters. There are still indigenous lands where sovereignty has not yet seated. Aboriginal people, especially young women, need structures that recognise their worth in society that enables them, and not undermines them.

“Gender inequality… harms and holds our women back and limits all of society… We must stop committing these deep injustices that are perpetuated throughout contemporary structures. It does not have to be this way.” (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, June Oscar AO)

Australia currently does not have a national coherent framework to respond to Aboriginal Australian women and girls, nor does it have the architecture to achieve the many dimensions of gender equality. This must change. Aboriginal women need to be empowered to speak for themselves, that will enable them to breathe, and dream, and to aspire to realize their dreams.

“Being a young black person - a woman – I don’t think they took me seriously. My own powers… my own ability… was underestimated.” (Taylah Gray)

The women of the First Nations in Australia need to be empowered. They need to be seen and heard. And to do this, they must be helped in acquiring proper compensation for their unpaid labour, and young girls, as well as the young men, need help to acquire education for them to be able to stand up and speak out for their lands, their people, and their rights. What can we do and contribute to alleviate these existing issues? 

What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?

This is an opportunity for the Australian Salvation Army to read what is being said by the indigenous people in their land. How is the Salvation Army addressing the issues when they 3 are faced with these questions? Are we empowering indigenous women who are in our facilities?

Web links for more information

https://wiyiyaniuthangani.humanrights.gov.au/womens-voices

https://wiyiyaniuthangani.humanrights.gov.au/report/report

Tags: SDG10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG4: Quality Education, SDG5: Gender Equality