The Federal Government is supporting a “world first” gender justice institute for First Nations women. 

The government is backing the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute for First Nations Gender Justice at the Australian National University with a funding contribution of $3 million over four years.

The Institute brings together First Nations researchers to develop and design initiatives to improve life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls.

The Institute will continue the work of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar AO, elevating the voices of more than 2,300 First Nations women and girls.

It will provide a dedicated space for First Nations research on a range of issues including health and wellbeing, family violence, housing, education, child removals, financial security and environmental conservation.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney attended the Institute’s launch with Commissioner Oscar, former Prime Minister and Chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership Julia Gillard, and ANU Chancellor Julie Bishop via video link.

The following day the Institute hosted a summit with more than 80 women from Indigenous community controlled organisations from across the country about how best to ensure the work at the Institute makes meaningful change in communities, that is evidence based and informed by the lived experiences of First Nations women and girls.

The Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute for First Nations Gender Justice will continue to champion the voices of First Nations women and ensure they help shape the development of policy and programs that affect them and bring about the changes they want to see.