Media Release: 7 October 2009

Somali Women Mean Business

Women's Health West, together with North West Migrant Resource Centre and the Flemington Project, are hosting a forum for Somali women to learn about supports available to run their own business.

The forum 'Somali Women Interested in Business' will be held on Monday 12 October 2009 (10am - 2pm) at the Flemington Community Centre in Flemington. Speakers from Victoria University, the Australian Tax Office and Centrelink will present different aspects of running a business.

More than a third of the humanitarian arrivals settling in Victoria are from African countries and significant numbers settle in the western metropolitan region of Melbourne.

"Upon migration, African women continually face the challenge of adjusting to a new language and way of life," said Reem Omarit, FARREP Community Worker at Women's Health West.

"Most of these new arrivals are female-headed families and research suggests that women, particularly refugee women in the outer western region, are the most disadvantaged group.

"While many Somali women are interested in establishing and running their own business, some women are unaware of their tax obligations, deductions they can make, how to organise paperwork, write a business plan and report their income to Centrelink," explained Ms Omarit.

Halima Mohamed, Somali community leader, agrees. "It is not easy to get a job in Australia, because of the language barriers and the difference in skill level. Having a business will give women freedom and an income to help them support their families", she said.

The forum provides an opportunity for Somali women to meet with professionals, ask questions and find out where they can access assistance that will enable them to run a successful business - all in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, while enjoying a delicious Halal lunch.

Photo Opportunity

12 to 12:30pm, 12 October 2009 Photo of forum participants,

Flemington Community Centre, 25 Mt Alexander Road, Flemington

MEDIA CONTACT

MEDIA: For more information contact Nicola Harte, Communications Co-ordinator on 9689 9588 or email nicolah@whwest.org.au

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