A group of First Nations women is now equipped to share a healing journey with others, thanks to a training project supporting Indigenous-led training and workforce solutions.
The first group of 16 women have completed the Strong Women Talking – Healing Journey Facilitator Training designed for women who have experienced domestic, family and sexual violence. A second group is due to commence the training over the next 12 months.
The women received training from the Murigurim Mubi Yangu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation which received an Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant as part of the Paving the Way – First Nations Training Strategy.
The women, who hailed from communities from Central Queensland to the Greater Brisbane area, will be able to assist others with the skills they've acquired.
They came to the program through various pathways with some hearing about it via Women's Health services, family members and advertising.
One proud graduate, who saw the program promoted on social media said: 'I instantly knew that this was something different from any program or service. After finishing my healing journey, I continued to attend Sisters Connect whenever I could, strengthening those genuine connections.'
Another participant, who has been employed as a facilitator to deliver the program, says she will 'use this to benefit many women and as many communities that I have an opportunity to reach'.
Another said she would draw on the training in her work in child protection and as a cultural practice advisor.
Others described the impact of the program as profound and life changing.
'I have been equipped to empower other First Nations women and families and carers to see that healing after domestic violence is possible,' said one participant.
'Sometimes giving yourself permission to feel and heal is scary, but acceptance and knowing you're worthy of such support is key. Using my lived experience allows me to understand their point of view, allows for me to hold space without judgement but with compassion and optimism that they too can, make it out and live a life that they envisage and want. I hope to give back in ways that have been given to me.
Instead of being ashamed of what I've been through, I am now proud of what I've overcome. To be able to make some good of that and educate myself and learn amongst other First Nations sisters, aunties and elders that bring so much knowledge, strength, humility, stories, laughs and wisdom, is our way. Healing together.'
One of the students, as an elder, grandmother, mother, godmother, aunty, sister, and wife says the training, delivered in a culturally sensitive way, makes sense and absolutely allows healing.
The training focuses on skills to deliver domestic, family and sexual violence preventative workshops, designed to be delivered in a culturally safe and trauma informed setting to educate, empower and equip women with coping mechanisms and tools to heal from trauma.
Last updated 15 October 2024
