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ADVOCACY

Djirra works fearlessly to amplify the voices and lived experiences of Aboriginal women.

Our advocacy work aims to drive systemic change, improve access to justice and end family violence, in a way that is grounded in self-determination - now and into the future.

Drawing on over two decades of frontline experience, we work alongside Aboriginal women, advocating for a better future where Aboriginal mothers and their children can be safe, together and thrive in culture.

We are committed to holding governments accountable and ensuring no decisions impacting Aboriginal women are made without our women.

Read Djirra's Key Advocacy Priorities.

Our Advocacy Work

Djirra stands firm for change by maintaining a regular presence in decision-making forums and committees, and contributing our expertise to important government initiatives and inquiries, such as:

  • Our Ways - Strong Ways - Our Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence 2026–2036
  • Victoria's Closing the Gap Implementation Plan
  • The Senate Inquiry into Missing and Murdered and First Nations Women and Children
  • Yoorrook Justice Commission hearings about Child Protection and the Criminal Justice System
  • Yoorrook Justice Commission hearings for Health, Housing and Education
  • The Royal Commissions into Family Violence in Victoria and South Australia
View our Key Submissions

Mobilising for Change

Djirra also runs highly successful campaigns, such as our annual 16 Days of ACTIVEism® campaign. This campaign aims to amplify Aboriginal womens' voices and draw attention to our self-determined solutions to put an end to the devastating impact that gendered violence has on Aboriginal women’s and children’s lives. 

This campaign is part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Genber-based Violence, and runs every year from the 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to the 10 December (Human Rights Day).

National Commitment

We are an active member of the First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence, the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing, family violence.

As a member, Djirra contributes Victorian perspectives and insights to the development of a strong national response to family violence affecting our women around the country. We actively contribute to policy submissions made by First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence.

Through these roles, our CEO Antoinette Braybrook AM ensures that voices of Aboriginal women all across the country are heard at the national level.

International Spotlight

Djirra has ECOSOC status under the United Nations Economic and Social Council, enabling us to elevate issues impacting Victorian Aboriginal communities to the international stage.