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.