The connection that Indigenous women have for the country, rivers and the waters are such that it forms a significant part of their traditions, cultural practices, and ways of life.  

The inter-dependencies between Indigenous women, land, rivers, and water, and their role in productive, reproductive, and care work within the family and community are often not seen, heard and understood. Indigenous women are generally more marginalized, discriminated against, and disempowered in various aspects of their lives. 

Protecting the natural environment and empowering Indigenous women is at the heart of what Oxfam is about. Oxfam has been standing in solidarity with Indigenous women and their representative organizations, networks and movements in Australia and Asia to bring the voices and experiences of Indigenous women at the table of policy making on natural resource management, water governance and energy transition.    

Engaging with Indigenous women isn't merely a procedural step in development programs; it's an essential practice that brings depth, sustainability, and authenticity to development outcomes. And engagement has to go beyond mere consultation. Genuinely effective and respectful women’s engagement involves active listening, learning, flexible approaches to inclusion, and integrating Indigenous knowledge systems that have been honed over thousands of years. 

Indigenous women in their game-changing role in water stewardship and river protection are powerful agents of climate action, and their collective voices and leadership are crucial for the resilience of both women's movement and the Indigenous Peoples' movement in influencing sustainable change in Australia and in Asia. In partnership with Network of Indigenous Women in Asia, South West Aboriginal Women’s Collective and  Kimberly Aboriginal Women’s Council, Oxfam is proud to have been part of this and looks forward to supporting resilience and solidarity of Indigenous women further. 

The delegates will gain understanding of:

The first part of the session will be truth telling through lived experiences and case stories. 

The Second part will be a panel discussion including Q&A for speakers to interact with delegates and exchange actionable learning and recommendations.