KJ's Women's Leadership Program

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Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ) established their Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) in 2016 to provide Martu women with a safe, supportive platform to address critical issues affecting their communities. This initiative empowers women to take on leadership roles and advocate for meaningful change, both within their communities and in collaboration with external stakeholders. The WLP brings Martu women together to discuss and tackle pressing issues, including family violence, alcohol consumption, the well-being of children, and youth delinquency. By fostering open dialogue and collective action, the program empowers women to create solutions that reflect the needs and values of their communities.

Martu women in the program actively engage with key stakeholders, such as Perth Children’s Hospital, the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), and Banksia Juvenile Detention Centre. Through discussions, presentations, and advocacy sessions, they ensure that Martu voices are heard and that policies and services are better tailored to community needs.

A significant achievement of the program is the creation of the Wangka Minyirrpa panel, which provides cultural recommendations to the Court and the Prisoner Review Board. This panel plays a vital role in judicial decision-making, particularly on issues such as family violence and the unique needs of women prisoners. It ensures that cultural perspectives are integral to decisions affecting Martu families.

The WLP promotes collaboration with other First Nations organisations. Program representatives have travelled to Alice Springs and other locations to share experiences and explore solutions for improving community well-being and safety. This has fostered a strong sense of unity and solidarity among participants.

The Women’s Leadership Program is closely aligned with the Women and Families Program, creating a seamless framework for Martu women to engage in leadership and family-oriented activities. Women participating in the program are contracted on a casual basis, offering flexibility to balance their leadership roles with other commitments. Participants are also encouraged to join other KJ initiatives, such as the Ranger and Families programs, further enriching their leadership journey;

“Working together it’s been hard as a young mum but now all working together as a team to make it better for Martu and we need your help.”

-Martu Women¹