Established by CMRC, IWE supports Indian and Subcontinent women in their settlement in Australia, and addresses key issues including relationships, domestic violence, and employment challenges by providing education, awareness, and guidance.
About IWE
Indian Women Empower (IWE) was established by Community Migrant Resource Centre to address the challenges facing Indian and Subcontinent women in their settlement in Australia. We are a group of like-minded women aiming to address and support women going through relationship issues, domestic violence, employment challenges by providing education, awareness, and guidance for those who seek help to lead a fuller life through life skills, confidence building and skill development.
IWE was formally launched on 6th March 2020 in Parramatta at the Old Government House which also coincided with International Women’s Day and NSW Women’s week. The launch was attended by over 200 people and was a huge success.
At the end of June 2019, 660,350 Indian-born people were living in Australia, more than twice the number (307,590) on 30 June 2009. This makes the Indian-born population the third largest migrant community in Australia after the United Kingdom and China, equivalent to 8.8 per cent of Australia’s overseas-born population and 2.6 per cent of Australia’s total population. 1 Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Migration Australia.
Australian 2016 census shows that Indian migrant population increased significantly to 1.9 % (455,389) of the total population of 24.4 million in Australia.
With large increase of Indian migrants settling in Australia, IWE aims at understanding, exploring, and providing support through a Culture of Sisterhood & services.
Who We Are, Our Vision & Aims
IWE ‘s strategic vision seeks to inspire & empower all Indian women including Business Owners, Professionals, housewives and others to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time namely, Domestic & Family Violence and unemployment, underemployment or the ability to gain meaningful employment & to create strong vibrant women and families by reducing familial inequality and strengthening relationships within the family.
IWE was established by the CMRC to address the complex relational and multifaceted nature of issues facing Indian women in their settlement in Australia.
Indian Women Empower IWE is a not-for-profit group of dedicated and committed women seeking to provide employment pathways and domestic violence services to vulnerable women from the Indian diaspora.
IWE aims to provide a national protection platform for Indian women on safety, security and employment issues impacting them.
It seeks to address, safety, unequal relationships, hidden abuse in relationships, employment barriers, self-care, confidence building, mentoring and capacity building along with a strong community voice.
It aims to provide a platform to coach women towards building confidence, self-esteem and develop skills (Communication skills, Job readiness, Grooming)
It aims to provide an opportunity for Indian Women to seek employment opportunities from peers, networks and those that are well-placed.
It seeks to mentor and encourage vulnerable women to come out of the confines of their home and help develop a Sense of Purpose & Belonging.
It aims to provide a platform for Indian Women to act as a collective and to develop a culture of sisterhood.
Who For?
Indian Women from these backgrounds:
Dowry Abuse Project
CMRC IWE hosted the screening of two short films on Domestic Violence and Dowry Abuse presented and directed by Pankaj Upadhayay and Taufeeq Ahmed Sheikh for NSW Police at Event Cinemas Castle Hills & Event Cinemas Top Ryde followed by Panel discussions by experts.
Let’s Start a Conversation: Breaking the Silence
Global Empower Her: A Transformative Collaboration
Glamour for Goodness: Empowering Lives Through Community, Sustainability, and Opportunity
CMRC is proud to support this community-led initiative, which brings together volunteers, community leaders, partner organisations, and educational institutions to create meaningful and lasting social impact. Aligned with CMRC’s commitment to strengthening communities and promoting sustainable outcomes, the initiative demonstrates how collective community action can transform generosity into opportunity.
The initiative was originally conceived by dedicated community volunteers who recognised an opportunity to combine environmental responsibility with social impact. Recognising its potential to create lasting benefit, CMRC embraced the initiative as a supported community project and provides governance oversight, operational support, and organisational backing to help ensure its long-term sustainability and effectiveness.
Today, the project continues to be driven by passionate volunteers whose commitment, creativity, and service have been instrumental in its growth and success. Their efforts are strengthened by the support of CMRC, community partners, and educational institutions that share a common vision of empowering individuals and families to build brighter futures.
At the heart of the initiative is a sustainable circular-economy model. Members of the community donate pre-loved ethnic wear, which is carefully curated and made available for resale. Proceeds generated through the initiative are directed to CMRC’s Indian Women Empowerment Program (IWE), helping provide resources, opportunities, and pathways for individuals and families to regain confidence, independence, and a renewed sense of belonging.
The project also promotes environmental stewardship by extending the life of quality garments, reducing waste, and encouraging conscious community participation. Through the combined efforts of volunteers, supporters, donors, and community partners, every contribution helps create positive social, environmental, and community outcomes.
How You Can Participate
There are many ways to be part of this meaningful initiative:
Donate
Give pre-loved ethnic wear a new purpose while supporting programs that strengthen individuals and families.
Volunteer
Contribute your time, skills, and experience as part of a passionate team dedicated to community service and impact.
Shop
Purchase carefully curated ethnic wear and help transform every purchase into support for community programs.
Partner With Us
We welcome collaborations with community groups, educational institutions, businesses, and service organisations that share our commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing.
Together, We Create Lasting Change
This initiative demonstrates the power of community collaboration. By combining volunteer dedication, community generosity, and CMRC’s organisational support, we are creating a sustainable model that delivers tangible benefits for people, communities, and the environment.
Every donation, purchase, volunteer contribution, and partnership helps strengthen this impact and contributes to a more connected, compassionate, and sustainable future.
Contact & Connect
To learn more about this initiative, donate items, volunteer, or explore partnership opportunities, please reach us at:
Email: glamourforgoodness@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043925739889360
Follow us on Facebook to stay informed about donation drives, volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and stories of community impact made possible through the collective efforts of our volunteers and supporters.
