Young U IFEM Australia's Perth Committee
FI AL REPORT 30 June 2010
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Introduction It gives me great pleasure to present the Final Report of Young UNIFEM Australia's Perth Committee for our 2009/10 term. It's hard to believe that this Committee only started a year ago, given the fantastic reception we have received in the community and the number of successful events we have run. It is testament to the fact that young people are interested in engaging in gender and development issues – young people want to educate themselves about the role of women in effecting change around the world, and empower themselves to act on this awareness. Young UNIFEM provides a unique opportunity for young women and men in Perth – to come together in a friendly and inclusive community, to network and engage, to learn and be inspired, to volunteer and contribute, all with the shared purpose of promoting the interests of women. Throughout this report, you can see the very real outcomes from our events, policy, advocacy and fundraising, and the impact this has on young women locally, as well as the support this has garnered for UNIFEM's work internationally. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our key community partners, without whom our work would not have been possible – the University of Western Australia, Freehills, Lion Nathan and the Commissioner for Children and Young People. I would also like to thank the incredible volunteer team I have been lucky enough to work with this year, who have continued to inspire me with their passion and commitment. I look forward to watching Young UNIFEM continue to flourish in Perth and work with the community to promote gender equality worldwide.
Elizabeth Shaw Chair beth.shaw@unifem.org.au
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Summary of Key Achievements 1. Launching Young UNIFEM Australia in Perth 2. Organising 12 successful events, with an average attendance of 143 people 3. Fundraising over $20,000 for UNIFEM projects 4. Developing key 'in kind' partnerships with UWA, Freehills and the Commissioner for Children and Young People 5. Providing direct feedback to the WA Minister for Women on issues affecting young women around the State 6. 'Graduating' 80 young women from our UNIFEM Leadership Forums – 40 in Perth and 40 in Bunbury 7. Developing a Young UNIFEM Australia election platform on pay equity 8. Obtaining widespread media coverage in a variety of newspapers and on radio 9. Facilitating volunteer participation, with regular opportunities to join the Events Team, Media and Communications Team and Fundraising and Partnerships Team 10. Writing submissions on behalf of young women to ensure their view are represented in the Beijing + 15 review 11. Initiating the 'Campus Ambassadors' program, as a way to promote the work of UNIFEM to the widest possible audience 12. Collaborating with UNIFEM WA, Business and Professional Women, Zonta, the Australian Federation of University Women, the Soroptimists, the Australian Institute of International Affairs, the Human Rights Arts and Film Festival and the White Ribbon Foundation to represent women more effectively 13. Establishing an presence on University campuses, with stalls at Orientation Days at UWA, Notre Dame and Murdoch University 14. Obtaining in kind support to keep event tickets as low as possible to ensure equality of access 15. Developing a functional Committee structure, role descriptions and organisational policies / procedures
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Report on Activities To ensure we are best meeting our mission and purpose, our activities for the year are framed in terms of the Young UNIFEM Australia Mission Statement.
MISSIO STATEME T Young U IFEM Australia is a diverse network of young people committed to promoting gender equality and the advancement of women worldwide. Young U IFEM Australia aims to: 1. Engage young people in gender and development issues; 2. Develop the leadership capacities of young women; 3. Raise funds for selected U IFEM projects; and 4. Build a sustainable organisation. Young U IFEM Australia recognises the importance of involving men in achieving gender equality.
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Goal 1: Engage young people in gender and development issues 1. BEIJI G CARAVA
About:
In 2009, governments undertook the 15 year review of the Beijing Platform for Action. This review was a chance for women to come together and discuss the issues raised in the Beijing Platform for Action and have their say in light of the Sex Discrimination Act, the BPFA documents and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. Our workshop in Perth broke women up into thematic areas, including women in decision making, media portrayals of women, women in health, women in education and women in the workforce. Participants identified barriers and workshopped potential policy solutions.
When:
Thursday 20 August 2009
Where:
Commissioner for Children and Young People's Office, Subiaco
Attendance: 40 women Outcomes: • • • • •
Launched Young UNIFEM in Perth Raised awareness of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action Identified key issues to women of Perth Developed policy responses to identified issues Built a Young UNIFEM community through facilitated discussion
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2. I FORMS: TRAFFICKI G OF WOME A D CHILDRE
About:
The Council of Europe states, "People trafficking has reached epidemic proportions over the past decade, with a global annual market of about $42.5 billion." The United Nations estimates nearly 2.5 million people from 127 different countries are being trafficked around the world. One of UNIFEM's priority areas is the elimination of violence against women. The trafficking, violence and exploitation of women in South East Asia was something that Perth lawyer Laine McDonald sought to fight against as she headed off on an AYAD assignment as a Human Trafficking Prevention Project Officer. After a year, she signed on as the Legal Director for the South East Asia Investigations into Social and Humanitarian Activities.
Laine spoke about the trafficking of women and also her experiences as a young person working in a developing country.
When:
Thursday 15 October 2009
Where:
Curtin University Business School, Perth
Attendance: 70 people Outcomes: • •
Raised awareness of trafficking of women and children in South East Asia Educated young people about opportunities to work in areas of gender and development
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3. "SPEAK UP!" POLICY EVE I G WITH THE MI ISTER FOR WOME
About:
Young UNIFEM members constantly express a desire to have their voices heard on the issues that affect them. We developed a relationship with the Minister for Women, and facilitated a consultation, so she would know what issues were important to young women across WA. The event sought to strike the right balance between hearing from the Minister about her work, giving interested women a chance to have their voices heard and ensuring diverse and marginalised women were represented in the discussions. The Minister gave a 15 minute overview of her work, and then 5 women gave 5 minute presentations to ensure a diversity of viewpoints: the Chair of Young UNIFEM representing Young UNIFEM members, a young indigenous woman talking about indigenous issues and domestic violence, a young Muslim woman sharing her story, a high school student talking about body image and a young woman from Port Hedland talking about regional and isolated women. We then opened the floor for a broad discussion.
When:
Thursday 29 April 2010
Where:
Commissioner for Children and Young People's Office, Subiaco
Attendance: 40 young women Outcomes: • • • •
Provided an opportunity for people to learn about the work of the Minister for Women's Interests Created an opportunity for young women of diverse or marginalised groups to have their voices heard Facilitated discussion between women on key issues of concern Developed relationship between the Minister and Young UNIFEM, and established ourselves as an organisation of influence within the sector
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4.
About:
MOVIE IGHT: PRAY THE DEVIL BACK TO HELL
Pray the Devil Back to Hell chronicles the remarkable story of the courageous Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country. Thousands of women — ordinary mothers, grandmothers, aunts and daughters, both Christian and Muslim — came together to pray for peace and then staged a silent protest outside of the Presidential Palace. Armed only with white T-shirts and the courage of their convictions, they demanded a resolution to the country’s civil war. Their actions were a critical element in bringing about an agreement during the stalled peace talks. The Human Rights Arts and Film Festival and Young UNIFEM cosponsored this event which opened the Festival in Perth. Member for Maylands Lisa Baker MLA introduced the film and we held a UNIFEM stall in the foyer before and after the film screening.
When:
Saturday 15 May 2010
Where:
Cinema Paradiso, Northbridge
Attendance: 160 people Outcomes: • • •
Raised awareness of the women's peace movement in Liberia Inspired people about the power of collective activism Developed working relationship with the Human Rights Arts and Film Festival
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5. YOU G U IFEM AUSTRALIA ELECTIO PLATFORMS
About:
Young UNIFEM Australia are launching an election platform in advance of the likely federal election in 2010, to advocate for women's issues and to ensure that gender is on the agenda. Young UNIFEM in Perth completed an election platform on the issue of ‘Pay Equity.’
Outcomes: • • • •
Includes young people in policy-making processes Ensures voices of young women are heard Allows UNIFEM to contribute to election campaigns Raises gender as a campaign issue
6. CAMPUS AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
About:
Young UNIFEM in Perth have launched a 'Campus Ambassador Program', to increase Young UNIFEM presence on school and university campuses, to link Young UNIFEM with promotional, fundraising and engagement opportunities and to involve a greater number of people in the Committee's work. Campus Ambassadors are inducted and empowered to promote Young UNIFEM by posters, email networks, newsletters as well as given the tools through which to promote Young UNIFEM by running events, fundraisers and information sessions on campus.
Outcomes: • • • •
Increases profile and visibility of Young UNIFEM on campuses Engages more people with UNIFEM's work Raises gender and development issues on campus Creates opportunities in terms of media, fundraising and event promotion
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Goal 2: Increase the leadership capacities of young women 1. LEADERSHIP FORUM, BU BURY
About:
AusAid funded a regional forum where we brought together young women from high schools in the Bunbury catchment area for an afternoon of education, inspiration and empowerment. After learning about UNIFEM, Young UNIFEM and the Millennium Development Goals, participants broke into small groups to work through a case study in the UNIFEM Schools Kit. The group also completed small group workshops in public speaking, CV and cover letter writing and stress management. The workshop ended after group dinner. Evaluation forms demonstrated the Forum's effectiveness in informing the young women about gender and development issues and inspiring their confidence to lead.
When:
Monday 8 March 2010
Where:
City of Bunbury Council Buildings, Bunbury
Attendance: 40 young women Outcomes: • • •
Raised awareness of UNIFEM, Young UNIFEM and the MDG's Inspired young women to participate in the community and to volunteer for leadership opportunities Developed skills in relation to CV and cover letter writing, public speaking and stress management
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2. LEADERSHIP FORUM, PERTH
About:
UWA hosted our Perth Leadership Forum which brought together 40 young women who were identified as having leadership potential from schools across the metro area. An inspiration speech by Tracey Horton set the scene for an exciting and energy-filled day, with ice-breaking activities, a lecture on UNIFEM and the MDGs, a lecture and discussion on feminism and notions of female empowerment, a session on CVs, cover letters and interview preparation, a public speaking workshop, a session on community involvement and civic participation. Testimonials from the evaluation forms participants filled in include: "Absolutely inspiring and motivating. All the facilitators are absolutely amazing women that are incredible motivating role models." "It was really interesting and like nothing I have ever been to before! Thank you so much for organising this! Do it again next year."
When:
Friday 12 March 2010
Where:
UWA Watersports Association
Attendance: 40 young women Outcomes: •
• • •
Raised awareness of UNIFEM, Young UNIFEM and the MDG's Inspired young women to participate in the community and to volunteer for leadership opportunities Taught young women about the history of feminism and notions of female empowerment Developed skills in relation to CV and cover letter writing and public speaking
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3. CAREERS WITHOUT BORDERS: I TER ATIO AL CAREERS FAIR
About:
Young UNIFEM collaborated with the Australian Institute of International Affairs to hold a sell-out International Careers Fair. Attendees entered the Atrium and were presented with a showbag of materials and the opportunity to investigate the stalls and displays. We had 4 speakers, including DFAT, Care Australia, Medicins Sans Frontiers and the Uni Capitol Internship Program. We also invited 3 stall holders to give presentations: AYAD, Engineers without Borders, and AIESEC. The evening also included networking over wine and canapés.
When:
Thursday 25 March 2010
Where:
The Atrium, Perth
Attendance: 130 people Outcomes: • • • •
Raised awareness of UNIFEM and Young UNIFEM Educated young people about international opportunities in development, aid work, medicine, politics and diplomacy Expanded career horizons and leadership aspirations of young people Developed working relationship with Australian Institute of International Affairs
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4.
I FORMS: WOME I DECISIO -MAKI G
About:
Many of our members are university students or young professionals, wanting to pursue ambitious careers and be influential in their chosen field. However, despite making up a majority of university graduates, women are still failing to reach the upper echelons of many key professions. In Australia, there is still a significant shortage of women in decision-making roles. Our Informs session aimed to inspire young women in their career pathways and to equip them with the skills and strategies to be able to lead effectively. The event consisted of a panel of most amazing speakers, with a brief to speak for 15 minutes on leadership, their career journey and strategies for success. Speakers were Julie McKay (Executive Director, UNIFEM Australia), Melanie Cave (Projects Partner, Freehills), Kate Stannage (paediatric orthopaedic surgeon) and Giz Watson (Greens MLC). After taking questions, the event opened up to networking over wine and canapés.
When:
Thursday 6 May 2010
Where:
Freehills Boardroom, QVI
Attendance: 110 people Outcomes: •
• •
Inspired young women to pursue leadership opportunities within their profession Equipped young women with skills and techniques for career progression and enhancement Provided an opportunity for networking with the panellists and guests
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5.
YOU G U IFEM COMMITTEE A D VOLU TEER PROGRAM
About:
Young UNIFEM in Perth facilitates an active volunteer culture, where new volunteers are welcome to join the Young UNIFEM Perth team. We have a dedicated Membership and Volunteers Co-ordinator who ensures that interested people are linked with opportunities that are appropriate for the amount of time and experience they have. Volunteers work closely with experienced Committee members, with a focus on equipping interested young people with the skills and opportunities to lead in their community. The Committee are also given development opportunities wherever possible, to learn new skills, expand their networks and to engage within the sector. Over the past year, Committee members have: • Met with Emma Lovell, an experienced Events Director at Lunchbox List, who gave great advice on the secrets to organising a successful event • Enjoyed a complimentary breakfast in the Freehills Boardroom at our first "Committee Leadership Breakfast", with the Equal Opportunity Commissioner speaking about her work and career.
Outcomes: • • • • •
Gives young people a chance to lead Fosters civic participation and social inclusion Meaningful leadership opportunities that allow for skills development and ‘on the job’ learning Supportive organisational structure allows volunteers to develop their leadership skills alongside more experienced volunteers Networking / mentoring opportunities for Committee
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Goal 3: Fundraise for U IFEM projects 1. SPRI G WALK
About:
Over 1 billion people now live on less than one dollar per day with the majority of these being women. Additionally, the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations predict that the number of undernourished people in the world will climb to 1.02 billion, the majority of which are women and children. With the impacts of global climate change, these numbers may rise in the future. UNIFEM Australia’s Spring Campaign seeks to raise awareness of this vital issue through a national campaign which will raise funds for a project in Liberia which promotes food security for women. In Perth, Young UNIFEM joined forces with UNIFEM WA to hold a Spring Walk in the beautiful Kings Park. We set up a marquee and all walked as a big, unwieldy group through the bush tracks and back to the play area where we had set up morning tea and UNIFEM information.
When:
Sunday 20 September 2009
Where:
Kings Park
Attendance: 60 people
Outcomes: •
• •
Fundraised $800 for UNIFEM Spring Campaign Raised awareness of food security in West Africa Developed Young UNIFEM network with UNIFEM WA and other women's organisations in Perth
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2. WHITE RIBBO DAY SOIREE
About:
Eliminating violence against women is a UNIFEM priority area. Violence against women continues to be a serious social problem within our homes, workplaces and communities, affecting the lives of many Australians each year. The 2006 ABS survey found that nearly 40% of Australian women report experiencing at least one incident of physical violence or sexual violence since the age of 15, comprising an estimated 3,065,800 women. Young UNIFEM set about organising the White Ribbon Day Soiree as the flagship White Ribbon Day event in Perth. Hosted by Shadow Treasurer and White Ribbon Ambassador Ben Wyatt MLA, the event included the screening of the documentary 'Yajilarra' about the efforts of women in Fitzroy Crossing to tackle alcohol abuse and domestic violence in their community.
When:
Wednesday 25 November 2009
Where:
Sunken Gardens, UWA
Attendance: 160 people Outcomes: • • • • •
Fundraised $5,000 for the White Ribbon Day Campaign Targeted young people, in particular young men, to attend Raised awareness of culture change needed to combat violence Raised awareness of alcohol-related violence in the Kimberley and the role of women in the community to eradicate the violence Encouraged many men to take the pledge not to commit violence against women
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3. I TER ATIO AL WOME 'S DAY BREAKFAST
About:
The theme for International Women's Day 2010 was 'Empowering Women to End Poverty by 2015'. The UNIFEM project IWD fundraised for was a project that focuses specifically on empowering women migrant workers in Indonesia. UNIFEM is working on multiple levels to protect women migrants: we work with women before they depart to train them in their rights as workers, employment responsibilities and give them basic information about contracts; we work with women once they arrive in country to ensure they have safe housing, legitimate contracts and workplace rights. Young UNIFEM joined the IWD Perth Organising Committee and worked with women from UNIFEM WA, Zonta, the Soroptimists, AFUW and BPW to organise the biggest IWD Breakfast in Perth's history. The Breakfast was attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith and the Minister for Women's Interests Robyn McSweeney. Chair of Young UNIFEM Beth Shaw spoke about her work at the UNGA and how it led to Young UNIFEM in Perth and the keynote speaker was Dr Hamidah Marican from Sisters in Islam.
When:
Monday 8 March 2010
Where:
Hyatt Hotel, Perth
Attendance: 550 people Outcomes: • • •
Fundraised $15,000 for UNIFEM's project supporting women migrant workers in Indonesia Raised awareness of UNIFEM's work in developing countries Integrated Young UNIFEM within women's organisations in Perth
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4.
U IFEM HAITI APPEAL MOVIE IGHT: SEX A D THE CITY 2
About:
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, UNIFEM has issued a call for close to US$7 million to provide urgently needed services for the protection of women and their families. In particular, UNIFEM seeks to rebuild women’s shelters and expand the provision of emergency services for women. Young UNIFEM booked a whole cinema for an exclusive screening of Sex and the City 2 on the opening night. We joined forces with Pure Bar in Subiaco to hold a before party with half price cosmopolitans and champagne specials. All ticket holders received a goodie bag with lots of freebies including magazines, hair products and condoms and the chance to win awesome door prizes and raffled goods, with the proceeds going to the Haiti Appeal.
When:
Wednesday 2 June 2010
Where:
Ace Cinemas, Subiaco
Attendance: 310 people Outcomes: • •
Raised $5,000 for the UNIFEM Haiti Appeal Raised awareness of UNIFEM's work in developing countries
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Goal 4: Build a sustainable organisation 1. Organisational structure and clearly defined roles
Young UNIFEM Australia's Perth Committee have developed a comprehensive organisational structure and drawn up detailed role descriptions. We have also developed election procedures and held our first Annual Meeting on Thursday 17 June 2010.
CHAIR
SECRETARY
EVENTS DIRECTORS
FUNDRAISING AND SPONSORSHIPS DIRECTOR
EVENT CO-ORDINATORS
FUNDRAISING AND SPONSORSHIPS TEAM
TREASURER
MEDIA AND MARKETING DIRECTOR
MEDIA TEAM
EVENTS TEAM
POLICY DIRECTOR
CAMPUS AMBASSADOR COORDINATIOTOR
MEMBERSHIP AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
POLICY TEAM
CAMPUS AMBASSADORS
2. Sustainable volunteering
As an organisation, Young UNIFEM are conscious of the invaluable contribution our volunteers make. We strive to provide volunteers with a comprehensive induction to UNIFEM's work, meaningful opportunities to contribute, and opportunities to learn and develop. Our volunteers are our most valuable resource.
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3. Financial stability
After starting off with no money and trying to run low cost events to ensure equitable participation, Young UNIFEM has approximately $800 at the end of our first term. This money will go towards ensuring our sustainability as an organisation in our second year of operation, and supporting the events, advocacy and services we run in WA. This money is largely due to selling Cadbury's fundraising chocolates in our workplaces.
4. Building partnerships and 'in kind' support
We would not have been able to hold our events if it weren’t for some fantastic partnerships we have formed. Fantastic in kind support has been largely through the generous donation of venues for our events. We have also been lucky to obtain free printing, catering, wine, raffle prizes and speakers for events.
5. Sector engagement
Young UNIFEM seeks to be an organisation of influence within the women's sector and the development community. Young UNIFEM also intersects with the youth sector, targeting young people between 15 – 35 years of age. As such, we have undertaken significant promotional and public speaking activities to increase our presence and visibility within the community and to engage with the sector. Young UNIFEM held stalls at Orientation Days at UWA, Murdoch and Notre Dame, as well as at events such as Reclaim the Night and the Human Rights Arts and Film Festival. In addition, Young UNIFEM Chair Elizabeth Shaw has spoken about Young UNIFEM's work at TedX Perth, the Worldly Women Luncheon, the Young Women's Leadership Group, the National Council of Women AGM and a Zonta Area Conference.
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6. Media Coverage
Young UNIFEM Perth has been lucky to attract significant media coverage during our first year of operation. As well as details of our events in local newspapers, we have been lucky to receive event coverage, picture articles and radio interviews. Included are two recent examples.
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“TEE S TAUGHT TO BACK THEMSELVES” Western Suburbs Weekly 30 March 2010 U IFEM’s Elizabeth Shaw (centre, seated) with Hannah McDonald, Veronica Light and Carrie Smith YOUNG UNIFEM passed on advice about being confident and believing in yourself at a leadership forum attended by about 45 young women at the University of WA recently. The teenagers took part in sessions on volunteering, public speaking and interviewing and UNIFEM’s work around the world as well as a lecture on current feminism issues. Young UNIFEM leader Elizabeth Shaw said the aim of the workshop was to help the girls gain confidence and encourage them to make a positive contribution in their community, whether it be at school, in the community or at a part-time job. “While young women are outperforming boys in schools and comprise a majority of graduates in degrees like arts and law, there is still a dearth of women in the upper echelons of business, law, politics and the judiciary,” Ms Shaw said. “Young UNIFEM wants to reach women while they are young and encourage them to start seizing all the opportunities to lead around them.”
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Young U IFEM Committee Chair:
Elizabeth Shaw
Secretary:
Emma Jones
Treasurer:
Kate Layman
Events Directors:
Holly Ransom Tegan Smith
Fundraising and Partnerships Director:
Sally Lewis
Media and Communications Director:
Reece Harley
Policy Officer:
Jennifer Mitchell
Membership and Volunteer Coordinator:
Breony Allen
Campus Ambassador Coordinator:
Emma Armistead
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Young U IFEM Team Members
Beijing + 15 Caravan Co-ordinator:
Natalie Garcia de Heer
Spring Walks Co-ordinator:
Sarah Keighery
Informs (Trafficking) Co-ordinator:
Jessica Short
White Ribbon Day Soiree Team:
Kate Hilgendorf Coralie Horsfall Anna Nitschke
Orientation Days Team:
Caroline Douglas Courtney O'Donnell Alicia Park
Bunbury Leadership Forum Facilitator:
Caitlin Hudson
Momentum Women's Forum Facilitator:
Jess Reynolds
Perth Leadership Forum Co-ordinator:
Rachael Young
Informs (Decision Making) Co-ordinator:
Anna Johnson
Haiti Appeal Movie ight Team:
Caroline Douglas Kate Hilgendorf Caitlin Hudson Rachel Joseph Anna Miolin Lyndelle Perpoli Jess Reynolds
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Young U IFEM Campus Ambassadors
University of WA
Franziska Burki Virginia Gogan Emma Tormey
otre Dame University
Alison Cook Hannah Milligan Bianca Saggers
Curtin University
Samya Farooq
Murdoch University
Nasreen Sadiqi Charlotte Corbyn
Chisholm Catholic College
Diana Gligorov
St Hilda’s Anglican School
Remi Sertorio Katherine Bull
Rossmoyne Senior High
Caryn Tan
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Young U IFEM offer a special thanks to our key supporters
We also extend our deepest thanks to Ansell, Bayview Day Spa, Blush Day Spa, Croissant Express, De Jour Tampons, Escape Day Spa, Grill’d, Harlequin, Hungry Jacks, Llewellin's Guest House Margaret River, Luna Palace Cinemas, Miss Mauds, Muzz Buzz, Pariah Hair, Perth Glory, Perth Woman Magazine, Pure Bar Subiaco, Redkin, Toni & Guy, UWA Sports, Contours, The Well Bookshop.
For further information about Young U IFEM, please contact perthyoungunifem@unifem.org.au or visit www.unifem.org.au
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