Women Rising: Empowering Flood Recovery in the Loddon Mallee is a series of community events for women* to reflect on their experiences of the 2022 floods.
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee (WHLM) are taking a road trip across the region to speak directly to women in community about the impacts of the flooding events. Sessions will be held in the following communities: Cohuna, Boort, Rochester, Mildura, Central Goldfields, and Echuca.
By hearing from local women, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee will build greater understanding around women’s experiences, to be able to effectively advocate for the needs of women and girls in disaster planning and response efforts across our region.
WHLM recognises that natural disasters exacerbate existing gender inequalities and cause unequal health, social and economic outcomes that disproportionately affect women. This project enables WHLM to apply an intersectional feminist lens to flood recovery and centres the mental health and wellbeing of women and the unique needs of regional communities, with an understanding that it is essential to prioritse intersectional experiences in natural disasters.
Participation in the events will include an informal shared group craft session, followed by focus group discussion. (No prior crafting experience or skills necessary. The activities will be open and accessible for all women.)
Eligibility: These sessions will be open to all women* aged 18+. Flood impacts were felt widely by the whole community in terms of stress, financial insecurity and disruptions to personal and family life. These focus groups are open to all women living in flood impacted areas as well as those who experienced direct water inundation.
Reimbursement: Each participant will receive $180 for their involvement in the session.
Register for events: Event details and links to register will be posted on the Women’s Health Loddon Mallee website as they become available. For more information about our upcoming events visit: Events & Workshops.
To register to take part in one of the focus group sessions, click on the relevant link below:
Catering: A light lunch and refreshments will be provided at all sessions.
Sessions are limited to 10 people. Registration is essential.
*Women’s Health Loddon Mallee uses the term ‘women’ to include cis women, trans, non-binary and gender diverse people.
Privacy of Participants:
Stories and experiences shared in the session will be audio recorded for the purpose of ensuring women’s voices are accurately represented and respected throughout the flood recovery project.
The information collected in the “Women Rising” project will be shared through reports and advocacy activities. Participant privacy will be maintained at all times. No information will be shared that identifies persons involved in the project.
All data collected will be maintained securely in a way that ensures that your identity is kept private.
Where can I find more information?
Please contact Alison Jones for more information relating to this project: ajones@whlm.org.au
