The Ethnic Council in partnership with Primary Care Connect delivered an evening of celebrating culture for women and girls on 31 March 2021. The Cultural Women’s Night event, run by Afghani-Hazara community leader Zahra Haydar.
Multicultural women and girls in the Shepparton community enjoyed an evening celebrating culture and difference at African House on Wednesday.
The Cultural Women’s Night event, run by Afghani-Hazara community leader Zahra Haydar Big and Project Partnerships director Christine Nunn, featured guest speakers, cultural dance and henna, halal food and children’s activities.
Ms Haydar Big said over 30 girls and women from Afghani, Syrian and Iraqi backgrounds participated in the night’s activities, which aimed to draw cultural connections for new arrivals and migrants.
‘‘Isolating at home, it’s been hard for women to get out with young children,’’ she said.
‘‘We all introduced ourselves and started a conversation through a tree of life.’’
The women started from the root of the tree, opening up about the major issues they were facing in the community and in their homes.
‘‘The main issues were parenting skills, protection of children and teenagers and the barriers the multicultural community faces,’’ Ms Haydar Big said.
‘‘We hope to continue ongoing sessions to build life and parenting skills, and unpack the barriers we see in the community.’’
Ms Haydar Big called on Shepparton organisations to continue to support and engage with the multicultural community through funding and programs following the pandemic.
The event was supported by Primary Care Connect and the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District.
