Immigrant Women's SpeakOut Association
SpeakOut is a key organisation for migrant and refugee women within NSW. We support women experiencing domestic and family violence or who are at risk of homelessness due to violence or abuse. We empower them providing information, guidance and other direct services. We help them access the resources they need to live independently, free from violence, exploitation and discrimination.
We also help women break down the structural barriers that would otherwise prevent them from participating fully in the society.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, SpeakOut had to cancel the Fundraising Brunch planned for 28 September.
While we are disappointed, our mission continues.
We are still gratefully accepting donations to support women escaping abuse.
Your generosity will help vulnerable women as they rebuild their lives.
Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Together, we can create a future where every woman feels safe and supported.
Thank you for standing with us. đź’ś
If you do not feel safe in your relationship…
If you feel scared or have been hurt by someone you live with…
Talk to us, because
- Home should be a safe place and
- Relationship should be respectful.
- Every woman deserves a safe home.
- Speak Out and together, we can make a difference!
What can we do for you?
We can speak to you in your own language. If not, we will organise an interpreter for you, so that you can talk to us in your language.
We understand the cultural barriers. We are empathetic and respectful. We will support you in culturally sensitive manner.
We will guide you, show you how to navigate the system and complete the forms to seek support.
From our clients…
Our Vision
A society that values the rich and diverse contribution of immigrant and refugee women.
Our Values
Dignity
We uphold every woman’s right to dignity, choice and independence. We take a strength-based approach to empower immigrant women to speak, act and make choices with enhanced knowledge and confidence.
Respect
- respecting their views and choices
- fighting for their rights
- challenging the stereotypes in mass media or other sectors of the community.
Safety
Women’s safety is our priority. We provide culturally safe and appropriate services to migrant and refugee women ensuring that in all aspects of our work, their rights and privacy are upheld.
Social Justice
We aim to break down the barriers that prevent immigrant and refugee women from participating fully in the Australian society.
Our Services
Homeless Multicultural Women Integrated Support Service (HoMWISS)
SpeakOut offers information, support and referral services to multicultural women experiencing domestic and family violence, who are or are on the verge of being homeless.
Multicultural Women’s Shelter
Multicultural Women’s Shelter provides crisis accommodation to single multicultural women (with no children) escaping domestic violence. It is a safe place for women, who are on the verge of being homeless, and provides them security, hope and help to rebuild their self-esteem.
Immigrant Women’s Resource Centre (IWRC)
We organise a range of activities to promote community engagement, skills development and to reduce isolation. These also include initiatives for women to be financially independent.
Advocacy – Upholding your rights
We advocate for the rights of refugee and migrant women, representing their issues and ideas at all levels of government, community, media and the industrial sectors.
In 2023-2024, SpeakOut supported women from 40 different countries
HoMWISS
Number of clients who received support and guidance
SHELTER
Number of bed-nights
Resource Center
Number of clients participating in skills development/activities
Our Story
In March 1982, 300 women gathered in Sydney to speak out publicly on the issues affecting women of non-English speaking backgrounds. This led to the establishment of the Immigrant Women’s SpeakOut Association of NSW (SpeakOut) in 1985 and its incorporation in 1987.
These strong, visionary women realized, more than 40 years ago, that migrant women have specific needs and requirements. They need empathy, support and specialized organisations that understand their issues and provide assistance in culturally appropriate manner.
SpeakOut continues to have the same vision and is following the footsteps of these visionary women. SpeakOut is managed by migrant women for migrant women.
