Panel Discussion - 2 October 2019

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Interested in creating a difference in the interpersonal violence space?

If yes, then come along for an evening of dynamic discussion, soulful storytelling and robust conversations surrounding interpersonal violence.

We’re interested in YOUR views, opinions and thoughts on interpersonal violence experience, CALD perspectives, services which are here to address the issues and, barriers and opportunities within the space.

YOU will have access to a panel of talented and dedicated experts, advocates and government stakeholders to ask them the hard-hitting questions that matter.

The issues identified from this evening will become the stepping stones for research aiming to uncover and add further nuance the experiences of CALD persons facing interpersonal violence.

This event is held by the Unveiled Institute in collaboration with the ANU Gender Institute.

Click here to find our event on Facebook.  Click here to register for free via Eventbrite.

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

What is this?
Interactive panel discussion

Where?
Australian National University - Marie Reay Building in Kambri (Room 5.05-5.06, Level 5)
155 University Ave, Canberra, ACT 2601 

When?
Wednesday 2nd October, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Will I be fed?
Delicious canapes and drinks will be served at the beginning of the event.

Registration is FREE, but essential for catering purposes.

SPEAKERS 

Jo Wood 

Jo Wood joined the ACT Public Service in 2016, after significant experience in the Australian Public Service across employment, economic strategy, and Indigenous policy and program delivery areas and participation in the 2012 ANZSOG Executive Fellows Program.

In her last role in the Commonwealth as Group Manager at the Department of Employment, Jo had lead policy responsibility for jobs growth, women’s workforce participation, and social impact investment, while also leading the Department’s innovation framework and behavioural economics capability. Jo has also shown a career strength in building relationships and partnerships in sensitive environments across the private sector, all levels of governments, service providers, the academic sector and communities.

This experience is invaluable in her role as Coordinator-General, Family Safety with the Act Government. As Coordinator-General Jo leads the whole of government effort to improve the ACT's response to family and domestic violence and sexual assault in partnership with the community. Jo works closely with colleagues across government and the community sector in the ACT to ensure reforms are grounded in the direct experience of people with lived experience of domestic and family violence and sexual assault and the frontline services working to support them.

Nazia Ahmed

 Nazia is the Founder and Director of The Social Outcomes Lab (SOULAB) and is an economist specialising in the health and human services sector with over 15 years of experience in government and management consulting. She has designed and undertaken numerous impact assessment projects for the government and non-government sectors. Nazia is passionate about social change and is involved in the design, development and implementation of a number of social change projects both professionally and personally.

Fahmida Suma  

Fahmida Suma is a public servant, a volunteer, an activist, an artist, and a survivor. She is a passionate humanitarian and devotes a significant portion of her time working with and for people who are vulnerable or disadvantaged. Fahmida has spent her career, thus far, in roles across Federal and Territory Government agencies, with a significant amount of time spent in agencies that support Australians in disadvantaged socio-economic circumstances.

Fahmida has always been driven to help those who are in need and has worked with a lot of charitable and not-for-profit organisations that support some of the most vulnerable people of our community. She avidly volunteers for the Domestic Violence Crisis Service, helping with events aimed at raising awareness for domestic and family violence. She has also worked with, Banchte Shekha, a not-for-profit in Bangladesh working with disadvantaged women and children where she undertook a current-state analysis and assisted in the development of a 3-year strategic plan. Fahmida is currently intermittently working in Bangladesh to set up a charitable organisation for supporting vulnerable youth and elderly people.

Fahmida has been a victim of domestic violence for many years and has survived ordeals many women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds experience yet seldom speak about. She feels strongly about the need to start a dialogue within and outside the CALD communities to raise awareness of what is a multifaceted and tremendously complex problem. Fahmida has shared her story in many forums and with other victims and survivors to pave a path towards change.

Nicole McMahon

Nicole McMahon is the General Manager of 1800RESPECT, the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence support service.

With a background in science,  journalism, healthcare and ICT,  Nicole is experienced at delivering complex programs in government. These skills along with her passion for improving the lives of Australians drew her to 1800RESPECT where she is has worked closely with the 1800RESPECT team and the women’s sector to make high quality support available to people impacted by violence and abuse when they reach out for it. She says that while sexual assault, domestic and family violence are far-reaching issues and their impacts on our community can be overwhelming, change is happening and we must all continue play a part in reducing violence against women.

1800RESPECT is funded by the Australian Government and provides information, referrals and counselling to approximately 200,000 contacts a year, including people impacted by violence and abuse, their friends and family and the frontline workers who support them.