About Us
Discover who we are, our vision, and our leadership.
Discover who we are, our vision, and our leadership.
Empowering Women,
Building Sustainable Communities
Didibahini Women’s Network Australia (DWNA) was established in 2012 by a group of dedicated CALD women committed to advocating for the rights, wellbeing, and empowerment of women in Australia. The organisation is formally incorporated under the name Didibahini Women’s Network Australia (DWNA) and is a duly registered, women-led organisation under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981.
DWNA is committed to reducing gender inequality, promoting women’s participation and leadership, fostering community harmony, removing social and systemic barriers, and strengthening communities through awareness, inclusion, and the promotion of social, economic, environmental, and sustainable development initiatives.
Our Strategy and Focus
Our strategic directions guide everything we do, from empowering women with education and skills, to preserving cultural identity, building safer communities, advocating for equality and justice, fostering emotional well-being, and creating climate-friendly, sustainable communities
through health, wellbeing, leadership, and culturally safe support services that build stronger and more inclusive communities.
through women-led initiatives focused on inclusion, climate awareness, environmental sustainability, and social empowerment.
We undertake policy- and practice-based research in partnership with universities and research institutions, drawing on the expertise of our own team and using a co-designed approach to generate evidence that informs programs, policy, and community-led solutions
by preventing family violence, promoting women’s rights, and connecting women with essential support, education, and advocacy services.
to overcome barriers, strengthen confidence, improve wellbeing, and achieve social and economic independence.
Didibahini Women Network Australia (DWNA)
With immense pride and heartfelt gratitude, I welcome you all to this historic moment for our organisation. What began in 2012 as a small gathering of determined CALD Nepali women in Victoria has powerfully evolved into a national movement of unity, empowerment, and sisterhood.
Our Journey: From 17 Women in One Room to a National Network
Didi Bahini Samaj Victoria (DBSV) was founded in October 2012 by a group of strong, visionary women who believed in a better future for women in both Nepal and Australia. Registered under the Organisation of Incorporation Act 1981 AU, an ACNC-registered charity, DBSV has always been a proudly women-led and community-driven organisation.
Over the years, we have become a trusted voice for CALD women, providing advocacy, support, awareness programs, leadership development, and cultural celebration across Victoria. This year marks a new milestone, the transformation of DBSV into Didibahini Women Network Australia (DWNA). This transition reflects the growing demand, trust, and needs expressed by Nepali women across Australia.
Today, we stand not only as a Victorian organisation but as a national women’s network dedicated to supporting women in every state and territory.
Who We Are and What We Stand For
DWNA is built on the belief that every woman deserves to live with dignity, respect, and equal opportunity. We aim to reduce gender inequality, remove barriers, and strengthen communities by promoting the social, economic, and cultural benefits of diversity.
Our purpose is to empower women by:
- Providing a safe forum for CALD women to discuss relevant issues.
- Creating support networks through conversations, programs, and shared learning.
- Developing leadership skills and promoting Nepali culture at multicultural events.
- Establishing support systems within Nepali and multicultural communities.
- Advocating to prevent gender-based violence and raise awareness about family violence.
- Partnering with organizations to improve women's lives and well-being.
- Encouraging women and girls to engage fully in social, cultural, and economic activities.
Our Programs and Impact
Throughout the years, DBSV/DWNA has delivered numerous impactful initiatives. Our key initiatives focused on gender-based and family violence, mental health awareness, and leadership training for women and girls. We host multicultural community events, capacity-building workshops for migrants and newly arrived women, and forums connecting community leaders and professionals. Support networks assist women facing challenges, while activities engage families in conversations about equality and respect, fostering resilience and a culture of empowerment in our community.
A Landmark Year: Becoming DWNA
This year will be remembered as a pivotal moment in our history. With the incredible support from our members, volunteers, and Nepali sisters across Australia, DBSV has proudly evolved into the Didibahini Women Network Australia (DWNA).
This transformation symbolises:
We are committed to ensuring that Nepali women across Australia, whether in cities, regions, or remote areas have access to support, leadership opportunities, capacity-building programs, and community connection.
Acknowledgements
I extend my deepest gratitude to:
Looking Ahead
As we step into this new national chapter, DWNA will continue to uphold its core mission, to uplift, empower, and advocate for Nepali women across Australia. Together, we will build stronger families, safer communities, and a more inclusive society where every woman thrives.
Here’s to new beginnings, greater impact, and a brighter future for all women.
Thank you for being part of this historic journey.
I, along with our fellow Nepali migrant sisters, founded Didibahini Women’s Network Australia (DWNA) in 2012 to address the unique challenges Nepali women face when settling in a new country. Many of us experience financial hardship, imbalanced gender roles, limited access to targeted support, and difficulties adapting to a new language, culture, and legal system. These barriers often make it harder to build social connections, access community resources, and achieve personal growth and wellbeing.
DWNA was established to empower Nepali women and improve their quality of life. Through practical programs and community engagement, we aim to build women’s capacity and confidence, encouraging them to participate fully in social, economic, cultural, and developmental spheres, and to make their own important life decisions.
We believe that when women are connected to supportive groups and actively engaged in social activities, they become empowered to advocate for their rights and lead fulfilling lives. DWNA provides a platform to strengthen solidarity, build social networks, and promote holistic wellbeing. By addressing gender imbalances and social barriers, we create opportunities for women and girls to fully participate in society, contribute to innovation, and take up leadership roles.
DWNA cannot achieve this alone. Collaboration with community leaders, councils, organisations, and individuals is essential to remove longstanding barriers to women’s participation. We were not successful without the critical support from these organisations during our initial stage, and we remain deeply grateful for their guidance and encouragement. We are proud of our partnerships with Moreland City Council, Uniting Church, Women’s Circus, and the City of Melton and the City of Geelong.
I am profoundly grateful to all the women who joined us along the way, whose dedication, support, and passion have nurtured our organisation and helped bring it to its thriving stage in 2026.