Women Rising: Empowering Flood Recovery in Rochester is a community event for women to reflect on their experiences of the 2022 floods.

Participation will include an informal shared group craft session, followed by focus group discussion.
(No prior crafting experience or skills necessary. The activities will be open and accessible for all women.)

By hearing from local women, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee will build greater understanding around women’s experiences, to be able to effectively advocate for the needs of women and girls in disaster planning and response efforts across our region.

Eligibility: This event is open to all women* aged 18+ in Campaspe Shire.

Flood impacts were felt widely by the whole community in terms of stress, financial insecurity and disruptions to personal and family life. These focus groups are open to all women living in flood impacted areas as well as those who experienced direct water inundation.

Date + Time: 11am-2pm, Tuesday 22nd August

Venue: Rochester Community House, Mackay Street, Rochester

Reimbursement: Each participant will receive $180 for their involvement in the session.

A light lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Sessions are limited to 10 people. Registration is essential.

*Women’s Health Loddon Mallee uses the term ‘women’ to include cis women, trans, non-binary and gender diverse people.

What is this project about? 

Women’s Health Loddon Mallee (WHLM) recognises that natural disasters exacerbate existing gender inequalities and cause unequal health, social and economic outcomes that disproportionately affect women.

This project directly responds to community leaders' identification of the need for community-led opportunities for women to come together, share experiences and rebuild their sense of community.

This project will add a regional perspective, centering the voices of women, and advocating the use of gender responsive frameworks, whilst also highlighting the strengths of women and communities

It is essential to understand and prioritise intersectional experiences in natural disasters.  This project enables WHLM to apply an intersectional feminist lens to flood recovery and centres the mental health and wellbeing of women and the unique needs of regional communities. 

Privacy of Participants:

Stories and experiences shared in the session will be audio recorded for the purpose of ensuring women’s voices are accurately represented and respected throughout the flood recovery project.  

The information collected in the “Women Rising” project will be shared through reports and advocacy activities. Participant privacy will be maintained at all times. No information will be shared that identifies persons involved in the project.

All data collected will be maintained securely in a way that ensures that your identity is kept private.

Where can I find more information?

Please contact Nicole Johnson for more information relating to this project: njohnson@whlm.org.au