Somali Women's wall hanging project celebration

In early December 2004, member of the Somali community gathered to celebrate the launch of a very special art project, the Somali Wall Hanging project. The project was an initiative of the Dhaganka Somali Women's Group, established by Women's Health West in February 2004 as a way for often-isolated Somali women to build friendships, receive support and discuss issues including health, safety and Somali culture.

"The women in Dhaganka like socialising, talking and sharing information," says Fartun Farah, the Group Coordinator and a FARREP worker for Women's Health West. "Most of the role of family is on women's shoulders. The women feel relief when they come together to tell stories and share information."

Fartun Farah and a friend with the wall hanging.

Women in the Dhaganka Group are very keen to pass on Somali language and values to the next generation, and are concerned that young Somalis have lost cultural knowledge through their experiences of migration. The women came up with the idea for the wall hanging, which uses traditional textile techniques, images and English language to celebrate Somali culture and values, including the role of women.

In August 2004, the wall hanging idea was made possible through a partnership with Footscray Police, and funding from the MOSAIC fund of the Australasian Police Multicultural Advisory Bureau, sponsored by the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs. The MOSAIC fund enables police to work in partnership with culturally diverse communities in Victoria to promote positive contacts between police and communities, and enhance their safety.

"I've enjoyed my attendance at the group," says Acting Senior Sergeant Dagmar Andersen of the Footscray Police. "I've also enjoyed the chance that's been provided to me, to meet some of the women involved and take part in an informal and often lively discussion."

"Women's groups are a wonderful way for isolated women to make friendships and break down isolation," says Chief Executive Officer Melissa Afentoulis. "This kind of social connection is so important to people's health and wellbeing. The information and discussion at Dhaganka and other groups helps women make informed choices about their own and their families' health, and projects like this are just so positive for creating healthier communities."

FIND OUT MORE about our work with Horn of African women.