Breaking the Silence: Empowering Women & Talking about Healthy Relationships

By: Deepa Nair

In a resounding display of solidarity and commitment to women’s empowerment, Indian Women Empower (IWE) hosted a transformative event titled “Empowering Women & Cultivating Healthy Relationships” on July 30, 3023. The event, held at Campbelltown, Australia, aimed to provide support, empower survivors, and drive significant social change while informing survivors of the available options, resources, and support services within the community.

Domestic violence remains a persistent issue that affects countless lives, making events like these crucial for raising awareness and fostering positive change. With an unwavering determination to make a difference, IWE organised this free event, which attracted a diverse audience of individuals, professionals, and advocates dedicated to ending domestic violence and promoting healthy relationships.

At the heart of the event was a rich and diverse panel of experts from various fields, all united by a shared goal of combatting domestic violence. Experts spanning Psychology, Mediation, Immigration, Police, and General Practice came together to lend their unique insights and initiate impactful discussions. These discussions aimed not only to shed light on the complexities of domestic violence but also to promote a multidisciplinary approach in addressing its multifaceted challenges.

Prominent figures on the panel included: Ms. Rosemary Kariuki OAM: Multicultural Liaison Officer Campbelltown and celebrated as the NSW Local Hero of the Year 2021.

Dr. Renu Narchal: An experienced psychologist, who contributed invaluable psychological perspectives. Mrs. Deepa Nair: A seasoned mediation expert, providing insights into conflict resolution and safety planning. Mrs. Thara S

Namboothiri: An immigration lawyer with extensive experience, offering legal insights and avenues for assistance.

Dr. Nisha Padmanabhan Nair: A compassionate General Practitioner, shedding light on the medical aspects of domestic violence. The event’s significance was further amplified by the presence of Mrs. Charishma Kaliyanda, Member of Parliament for Liverpool, who actively engaged in the discussions and reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling domestic violence.

The driving force behind this impactful event was Mrs. Mansi Bhatia, the ambas- sador for IWE. Mansi under the vision of Mrs Melissa Monterio, the CEO of CMRC and founder of IWE, played a pivotal role in coordinating and organizing the event. Her dedication and commitment to women’s empowerment were evident in every aspect of the event’s execution. This event was supported by community support organisations, including World Malayalee Council Sydney Province, Multilingual Community & Culture, Deeps Mediation and Metro Malayalam. IWE’s commitment to uplifting and empowering women from all walks of life, regardless of their background, culture, or experiences, was a central theme throughout the event. The gathering served as a powerful platform to cel- ebrate the strength of diversity, the resilience of survivors, and the unity among women. By fostering an environment of open dialogue and shared experiences, the event laid the foundation for positive change in society.

As the event concluded, it was clear that “Empowering Women & Cultivating Healthy Relationships” was not just an event; it was a collective step forward towards a brighter, more empowered future for women in Australia and beyond. With such initiatives, IWE continues to pave the way for a world where women can thrive, relationships can flourish, and societies can evolve into more compassionate and supportive