our blog & events

It was in the early 2010’s that a series of domestic violence cases amongst South Asian Communities in Victoria gained traction in the media. Against the backdrop of a rising incidence and awareness of family violence, state and national communities grappled with this emerging profile of what was happening behind the closed doors of South Asian homes. This is where Manjula Datta O’Connor begins her novel, Daughters of Durga, but it isn’t where the story ends.

In July we read Nandita Chakraborty’s ‘Dirty Little Secrets: A Memoir’ as part of our South Asian Women’s Book Club.

Through her book, Nandita builds a complex world of characters navigating their lives as authentically flawed, humanly inconsistent people. Her book is a generous insight into her writing process all the while giving the reader something to think about at every chapter. To learn about our discussions on the book and with Nandita, check out the full blog.

With the Federal elections this month it only made sense to step into the world of politics and read @MehreenFaruqi’s ‘Too Migrant, Too Muslim, Too Loud’ as part of our South Asian Women’s Book Club.

Mehreen’s story taught us that while no migrant journey is the same, we all share the hope that there’s space to build and to create something better than what once was. It reminds us that the story of migrants in Australia is an ongoing and evolving one; and it’s up to us to shape the current narrative for ourselves and for future generations.

We were incredibly lucky to have Mehreen join us for a QnA. To learn about our discussions on the book and with Mehreen, check out the full blog.

Australia’s International students are talented, hard working and resilient and deserve more support from the government and community. Our team member Dishi breaks down her experiences as an International Student in Australia during the pandemic and the challenges international students face both personally and professionally. Read the full piece to understand just how resilient the international student community is and why they deserve to be treated better than being Australia’s ‘cash cows’.

Mental wellbeing is important for everyone, no matter what community they’re part of. It’s healthy and normal to seek mental health help when we need to, just like we would for a physical ailment.

If you’re curious about: getting mental health care or what it’s like having a South Asian psychologist, or having conversations about mental health with friends, checkout this blog.

Maneet shares her journey overcoming her skin-related self-esteem issues. ​Her story is one that many South Asian women will be familiar with: experiencing societal obsession that attempts to control women’s appearances and enforce impossible beauty standards. Maneet shares the lessons she’s learned about herself, her skin and her healing journey.