International Committee
Information
Understanding
Cooperation
Support
The focus of the SACWA International Committee is to mirror the Associated Country Women of the World’s agenda of “amplifying the voices of rural women, of older women, of indigenous women, of young women, and of all those women in non-urban communities who cannot be heard above the din of chaos or the silence of global inaction.”
Ghandi said that ‘the true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members’. As women we are vulnerable. As rural and remote women we become more vulnerable.
Education
Walk and Talk
SACWA members meet 3 times a year for State Council, at different locations around the state. As part of each State Council, the International Committee holds a walk around the local area to orientate visiting members, share some history of the town or suburb and for SACWA members to connect with each other.
Seasonal Workers
There are increasing opportunities for Pacific Islanders to work in a range of industries, especially in rural and remote areas. We aim to welcome migrant workers to rural SA and provide inclusive and supportive programs to assist with relocation. We also enjoy the benefits of learning about other cultures and identities.
April Awareness Day
Each year a new Country of Study is announced. To introduce members to background information we hold an Awareness Day with information and speakers to familiarise us with the role and challenges of women in that country.
South Pacific
Papua New Guinea – 2023 Country of Study
As our closest neighbour and with a developing economy, Papua New Guinea is rich in natural resources being developed by and which benefit other countries. With 80% of the country’s population living in rural and remote areas and many traditional rituals maintained, the advancement of education, health and financial independence for women is critical.
Kiribati – 2022 Country of Study
As the first country to lose entire islands to rising ocean levels from climate change, we raised important awareness about its fragile economy, piracy of its fish stocks, dependence on foreign aid and political influence and importantly the health of its women and children.
Supporting Women in the South Pacific
An ACWW Area President for South Pacific visits women’s groups in the South Pacific, identifies needs and diverts funding to projects to support these groups, the International Committee raises funds to facilitate this.
Associated Country Women of the World – ACWW
Women Walk the World
On April 29 each year. Everyone is encouraged to walk to fundraise in order to support the work ACWW do in developing financial, health, educational and digital literacy, bringing women together to share and develop skills, develop markets and rights for women. Click here to learn more.
Rural Women in Action
Funds raised by participating women’s groups are distributed by the Rural Women in Action arm of ACWW. Sustainable community investment seeks to bring about systemic change. Projects no longer end when the time and funding goals are met. Rather, they are funded until they are self-sustaining and women are empowered with ongoing agricultural, technical, financial and marketing skills necessary for true community self sufficiency. Click here to view the current Rural Women in Action Strategy.
Orange the World against Domestic Violence
Every day, 137 women die at the hands of a family member. worldwide, 243 million women experienced sexual and/or physical violence from an intimate partner in the last year. 1 in 4 girls aged 15-19 have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner. Each November, the ACWW raises awareness, educates, and advocates to eliminate laws, words and behaviours to end domestic abuse and to prioritise women’s rights. Click here to read more from ACWW.
ACWW Triennial Conference
The ACWW constitution is reviewed and renewed in an international forum. The 30th Triennial World Conference was held in May 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
