World first research institute seeks to improve the lives of Indigenous women

Posted on 02 Apr 2024

By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia

First Nations Aboriginal Indigenous women

The federal government has thrown its support behind a first-of-its-kind research institution designed to find ways to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls.

Canberra has contributed $3 million over four years to the Wiyi Tani U Thangani Institute for First Nations Gender Justice.

Based at the Australian National University, the Institute, which will bring together First Nations researchers working toward a common goal, is the first of its type in the world.

It will provide a dedicated space for First Nations–focused research on a range of issues ranging from health and wellbeing to family violence, housing and financial security.

The government said the Institute would continue the ground-breaking work of outgoing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social justice commissioner June Oscar, who has been appointed inaugural chair of the new research body.

The federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, said the Institute would continue to champion the voices of First Nations women and ensure they helped shape the development of policy and programs that affect them.

“The Institute will harness the aspirations and strengths of First Nations women and girls and ensure they form the foundations of initiatives that respond to their needs and ambitions,” she said.

“I congratulate the outgoing Commissioner June Oscar for her work, and I look forward to seeing the results of the Institute’s work so that together we can achieve sustained and meaningful change for First Nations women and girls.”

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