Supporting Lighthouse on IWD
Ahead of International Women’s Day on Sunday 8th March 2026, we’d like to acknowledge the incredible work of our partner, Lighthouse Foundation, in advocating for women who have escaped, or are are at risk of, early or forced marriage, modern slavery and other forms of gender-based violence.
International Women’s Day
UN Women Australia announced Balance the Scales as the official theme for 2026, highlighting the urgent need to ensure inclusive and accessible justice for every woman and girl.
Someone fighting for exactly that is Masuma, the Therapeutic Case Manager for Lighthouse Foundations' Young Women’s Freedom Program. Having grown up in Afghanistan with lived experience advocating for women’s rights, she witnessed women facing forced marriages, domestic violence, and restricted access to community and support.
Masuma promised herself at a very young age that she wouldn’t be a victim of society’s misogyny and went on to conduct an oral history project during her studies that reinforced how important it was for women to feel heard and be believed in.
“I believe every single woman deserves to be safe and to have a life where they don’t have to choose between their wellbeing and their sense of belonging.”
On International Women’s Day, Masuma wants women who are struggling to know that she knows how impossible it can feel to choose between staying in an abusive and violent environment or leaving and risking everything. Leaving can often mean grief, fear, and uncertainty – loss of family, loss of connections, and loss of financial stability.
The Young Women’s Freedom Program, Lighthouse Foundation
This program is a trauma-informed, transitional housing program for young women who are escaping, or at risk of modern slavery practices including forced marriage, domestic servitude, as well as other forms of gender-based violence.
“It provides safe and stable housing for young women, but it’s much more than accommodation.”
Importantly, it is also a space for women to begin their recovery and explore their identities. The program participants might need help learning healthy boundaries, building confidence or feeling safe and secure in relationships.
Natio skincare & makeup workshops
Our product development team recently conducted skincare and makeup workshops with the young women to help boost their confidence and hone their skills.
The courage to stand up
The women in this program are not simply the victims of what happened to them, but they are people with the strength and agency to stand up for themselves and for others.
It takes courage to rebuild after fleeing an unsafe environment and it takes courage to stand up for women who are suffering.
To learn more about Lighthouse’s work or make a donation, please visit: https://www.lighthousefoundation.org.au/