Migrant, refugee and First Nations women will gain free access to vital legal, health and community services when the Thrive: Multicultural Women’s Festival takes over Federation Square on Saturday, 1 November.
Organised by Back Cover Media and supported by the Victorian Government, the free event will combine live cultural performances with practical workshops covering legal rights, menopause, breast screening, financial literacy and mental health. The festival also features a cultural storytelling panel, fashion showcase, food trucks and interactive community activations.
“Thrive is more than a festival – it’s a movement,” said founder and director Mibengé Nsenduluka. “Our goal is to create a truly inclusive space where multicultural women are celebrated, communities are connected, and stories are shared.”
Addressing systemic barriers
Research shows migrant women are less likely to access preventive healthcare and more likely to face workplace exploitation or barriers to legal services due to language, cost and stigma. First Nations women continue to experience systemic inequalities in health and justice, underscoring the importance of culturally safe spaces.
By partnering with organisations including the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health, Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, Netball Victoria, Muzariri Penny Lawyers, SisterWorks and Wellsprings for Women, Thrive aims to remove barriers and provide women with tools and resources to navigate these challenges.
Partners speak
The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation said Thrive reflects its mission of empowerment and inclusion. “Together we can help create spaces where diverse voices are heard and communities grow stronger,” the foundation said in a statement.
Netball Victoria highlighted the chance to grow sport through community connection. “Netball is a sport for everyone, and we’re committed to creating a safe, inclusive space where people of all backgrounds feel welcome,” said Abbey Misso, General Manager – Community.
For Muzariri Penny Lawyers, the partnership was personal. “Especially for migrants, it can be hard to understand your rights and know what to do when things go wrong,” said partner Peter Muzariri. “We want to use our legal knowledge to support the community how we can.”
Dr Nisha Khot, chair of the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health, said: “Creating spaces that celebrate and centre the voices of migrant and refugee women is vital to building a more equitable future.”
Event details
📍 Federation Square, Melbourne
📅 Saturday, 1 November 2025
🕙 10:00am – 5:00pm
🎟 Free entry – all communities welcome
For the full program, visit thrivewomensfestival.com or register for free HERE
