Matriarchs key to unlocking Aboriginal community change

By KEIRA JENKINS

Indigenous women must be involved in decisions affecting their communities, say young and old at an annual roundtable in Australia’s remote north.

Any reform affecting their people and communities must involve women, Mary O’Reeri has told the Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Leadership in Broome.

Ms O’Reeri, deputy chair of the Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Council, urged deep listening and genuine partnership with those in positions of power.

Change the world

“We’ve got answers,” she said at the end of the gathering.

“We are inspired to change our world, change it for the better of our children going forward.”

The council’s annual roundtable reflects powerhouse women coming together from all walks of life, something that has happened for thousands of years, Ms O’Reeri said.

Aboriginal women from around the Kimberley gathered in Broome for a leadership roundtable.

Ms O’Reeri said the roundtable, hosted by the Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Council, was a reflection of powerhouse women.

“Women coming together has been a pattern for many generations, we’re just building on the work of our matriarchs and adopting it to the modern context,” she said.

The event’s theme of ‘united in purpose: governance, solidarity and voice’ honours this history and the importance of women’s leadership in decision-making.

The roundtable is also focused on the future and action to achieve meaningful and lasting change, the council’s chair Selena O’Meara said.

Standing together

“It’s also about standing together as women, strengthening our governance, and ensuring our voices carry from grassroots communities to the highest levels of decision-making,” she said.

Ms O’Reeri said one of the highlights was seeing young women who are considered emerging leaders in their communities.

She said the future is safe in their hands and has no doubt the next generation of young leaders will continue to drive change for their people.

“We are the change-makers, we are the matriarchs, we’re going to be here forever,” she said.