International Women’s Day 2023

As I reflect on the essence of International Women’s Day, I contemplate the meaning of sisterhood in Australia. In my opinion, intercultural sisterhood is a crucial element of sisterhood. For me, sisterhood is about women coming together, supporting and empowering each other through shared experiences and challenges. It’s about fostering a sense of community and belonging where women can feel safe to express their thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities without fear of judgment.

Intercultural Sisterhood and Sisterhood In Australia

Intercultural sisterhood means acknowledging and valuing our differences while working towards a common goal of healing and growth. It’s about recognizing that women from different cultural backgrounds may face unique challenges, and it’s essential to listen, learn, and support each other.

“THERE IS NO THING AS A SINGLE-ISSUE STRUGGLE BECAUSE WE DO NOT LIVE SINGLE-ISSUE LIVES.”

– AUDRE LORDE

Intersectionality

Sister’s often face intersectional challenges. These challenges can include systemic racism, discrimination, and bias, which can limit access to education, employment, and healthcare impacting their health and well-being.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, there are also intersectional challenges due to the ongoing impact of colonisation and forced removal from their families and communities, known as the Stolen Generations. This has resulted in inter-generational trauma and a loss of culture, language, and identity.

At Sisters Healing Space, we believe in promoting intercultural sisterhood – a supportive bond between First Nations, Black and Women of Colour. By building intercultural sisterhood, we aim to help women overcome these obstacles and foster inter-generational healing. We encourage sharing stories, celebrating differences, and creating safe spaces for First Nations, Black and Women of Colour to heal and empower each other.

“SISTERS HEALING AND THRIVING FOSTERS INTER-GENERATIONAL HEALING”.

– NICHOLAH WASARIREVU

When sisters heal and thrive, they heal the generation before and after them. They set an example for the younger generation to follow and foster inter-generational healing.

Though healing from inter-generational trauma isn’t always easy or linear, often times you may ask yourself “Why Do I Have To Do The Work?” it’s overwhelming. Frequently, I ponder how minority and marginalized groups can heal when systemic racism, discrimination and oppression persists.

I believe Intercultural sisterhood can play a significant role in inter-generational and racial trauma healing . It provides a safe and supportive space for women from diverse cultures to share their experiences, develop a deeper understanding and empathy towards each other’s experiences, and learn from each other’s cultural traditions and practices.This can help break down cultural divides and promote healing.

“When sisters come together to heal and empower one another; they pave the way for hope, not just for their lifetime, but hope for generations before them and those yet to come. They break free from generational cycles and trauma , and foster inter-generational healing.”

Inter-generational trauma healing and intercultural sisterhood can be trans-formative and empowering experiences for women. When sisters come together to heal and empower one another, they pave the way for hope, not just for their lifetime. But hope for generations  before them and those yet to come. They break free from generational cycles and trauma, and foster inter-generational healing. We are the dreams of our ancestors.

Children learn by example, and when they see their mother, aunties, cousins or older sisters prioritizing their mental and emotional well-being, they are more likely to do the same.

Dear Sister

We Are The Answered Prayers Of Our Ancestors. We Are Breaking Generational Cycles and Curses. We Are Reclaiming Generational Blessings. We Are The Light Of World.

Build Your Sisterhood

Sisters Healing Space

When sisters cultivate intercultural sisterhood and work together to heal and grow, they can become a powerful force for positive change in their communities. They can use their collective experiences and strengths to support other women going through similar challenges and advocate for policies and programs that promote culturally safe spaces for  women’s health and well-being practices.

This is  another reason why I created  Sisters Healing Space – a safe space to connect with sisters who understand and affirm your experiences. We offer a Directory and APP to browse and join. Sisters Healing Space goes beyond a directory or mental health platform. Our mission is to create generational healing by supporting sisters in healing, evolving, and thriving.

We thankful for the amazing Sisters on our directory promoting healing and wellness within their communities.

Click Here To Browse Our Directory 

Click Here To Join Our Tribe

AMANI YOGA 

Maria Osman founder of AMANI YOGA led a Restorative yoga session aimed at empowering Fist Nations, Black and Women of Colour to heal from racial stress in WA. The session was an enriching experience that emphasized the importance of radical self-care and mindfulness.

My first yoga experience with AMANI Yoga as a Black woman was unforgettable. Maria created a secure and supportive environment for Sister’s to reconnect with their body, spirit, and mind. A sacred space to decrease racial stress, practice radical self-care, and foster a sense of community and sisterhood.

I am incredibly grateful to Maria Osman for providing this opportunity to Sisters Healing Space, and I eagerly anticipate the next session on 28 May. Click here for more information

SISTAS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND 

Sistas Australia and New Zealand is a Facebook group that aims to support, empower and connect First Nations, Black and Women of Colour. Additionally, the group provides a directory of professionals who are also people of color. I’ve had the opportunity to network with amazing Sistas through their platform.

Nicholah Wasarirevu CEO/Founder of Sisters Healing Space
Author: Nicholah Wasarirevu CEO/Founder of Sisters Healing Space

Nicholah is a highly experienced Black African Social Worker, Therapist, and Mental Health Clinician who is also currently pursuing a PhD. Her research is focused on decolonising mental health practices and examining the impact of racial trauma. With more than five years of experience in the human services and mental health sector, Nicholah recognised the lack of culturally safe and affirming healing and wellness spaces for First Nations, Black and Women of Colour. In response, she founded Sisters Healing Space in 2020. Sisters Healing Space is a nationwide therapist and wellness directory and mental well service platform dedicated to promoting healing and wellness for Sisters’ of all ages. Its mission is to provide access to culturally safe and affirming services, destigmatise mental health within the community and promote generational healing.