Migrant Women

The Hon. M. EL DANNAWI (15:51): Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of hosting an Arabic-speaking women's group from the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia for a leadership workshop and tour of the parliament. The participants were newly arrived migrant women from the Middle East, particularly Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt.

Moving to a new country to start a new life is not an easy decision. It takes courage and sacrifice. In some cases, the individual is left with no other choice but to flee their homeland for safety and a better future. As I reflect back on my journey as a newly arrived migrant and draw on my experience, I can relate to their enthusiasm but also to their concerns about what the future will look like, so to be able to share with them my journey and give them a glimpse of hope or empowerment was an absolute privilege.

Bringing different groups into the parliament, showing them around and talking to them about what we do here is one of my favourite parts of my job, and this group was particularly special to me. I said in my first speech in this place that migrants have a lot to offer this country, but in return we must make sure they have the opportunity to reach their full potential. This is something I will continue to speak about and advocate for.

The participants I met last week are all professionals in their fields of study and hold years of experience. They are eager to fully participate in the economic and social life and to contribute to the new land they will now call home. These women, these professionals, deserve a chance at working in their field of expertise, not in jobs that just help them make ends meet.

The day started with a tour of the parliament, exploring the halls and the two chambers, and was followed by a presentation explaining the government system in Australia and a robust discussion about what leadership means to us. At every stage of the tour I was inspired by their curiosity, intelligence and desire to learn about our system in Australia.

The process of migration can be alienating and new migrants arrive in Australia with their own personal experience of government in their home country. It is important that these groups understand that this parliament is the people's house and that includes them. They have a place here, as do all South Australians.

I want to take a moment to thank and acknowledge the education team here at parliament, whose work has ensured that we have information about our system available in over 30 different languages. I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate MCCSA on their Flourishing in Australia program, which I believe is making a real difference in the lives of new migrants, and I wish them all the best for the rest of their program.

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all these intelligent, wonderful women all the best in the settlement process. I have no doubt they will overcome any challenge they will face and flourish in every aspect of their life, be it personal or professional.