A message from our CEO Antoinette Braybrook AM

This International Women’s Day I want to give a big shout out to every woman and every girl; you matter. We all matter.

For more than two decades, Djirra has stood with Aboriginal women demanding change, fighting for our rights. We demand equality. And assert our self-determination – not as a concept but as our birth right. Others call it empowerment – for us it’s self-determination.

We acknowledge each Aboriginal woman who has put her trust in Djirra and the fight she takes on tackling a system that views us as less deserving and contributes to our women in Victoria being 45 times more likely to experience family violence than other women. A system that continues to blame and punish Aboriginal women by taking our children and too often misidentifying and criminalising us rather than putting our safety first and valuing our lives.

We are reminded of the courageous Aboriginal women who came before us, paving the way, keeping our spirit strong so younger women can strive for their dreams thriving in culture, believing in their future and never doubting their worth.

We are inspired by Aboriginal women whose creativity and courage drive Djirra and fuel our strength.

We invite you to stand with us and be part of our story.

Together we can create a legacy: establishing the first Aboriginal Women’s Centre in Victoria and securing a future where Aboriginal women are celebrated, our culture is nurtured, and we are respected as leaders and change-makers.