MCCSA Women’s Council
The MCCSA Women’s Council gives a voice to women from diverse cultural backgrounds in South Australia. We work to create an inclusive society where culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women have equal opportunities to thrive.
What we do:
- Advocate for CALD women at all levels of society
- Work with agencies to address CALD women’s needs
- Organise training on topics relevant to CALD women
- Celebrate International Women’s Day annually
- Run events for Women’s Health Week (Catch up on the Highlights: 2021: Menopause Forum, 2023: Osteoporosis Forum)
- Manage the Community Quiet Achievers Award
The project is being supported by the SA Government.
Join our Thriving|Inclusive|Proactive|Authentic|Resilient|Inspiring|Powerful|Growing Community
Stay connected and get involved with MCCSA Women’s Council.
Our Facebook group is where we share information about trainings, events, and resources for CALD women in South Australia.
We welcome new members and encourage you to complete an expression of interest to join our council.
Our Vision
Empower CALD women to influence policies and advance their welfare across all levels of government and community in SA.
Our Mission
Foster women’s empowerment through:
- Education
- Leadership development
- Financial stability and independence
Our Objectives
- Be a strong voice for CALD women in SA
- Advance the status of CALD women
- Promote women’s empowerment
- Strive to eliminate all forms of discrimination
- Collaborate with agencies on issues affecting women
- Promote women’s rights based on UN Human Rights instruments
Community Quiet Achievers Awards
MCCSA Women’s Council proudly recognises outstanding women in our community through the biennial Community Quiet Achievers Awards.
These awards celebrate the often unsung heroes who make a significant difference in their communities.
2024 Winners
Meet our International Women’s Day (IWD) Patron, Genevieve Theseira-Haese
“I believe there is nothing more rewarding than having women support women in their success today and for tomorrow…
– Genevieve Theseira Haese
Through the IWD awards and celebrations, we share these stories of quiet achievers that are so easily hidden. The impact is inspirational and heartwarming. We hope this continues to grow into an alumni and a sisterhood that leaves its mark.”
MCCSA’s International Women’s Day Patron
Genevieve was born in Singapore to a minority group known as Eurasians. This gave her a wonderful experience of multicultural life from an early age, surrounded by aunties, uncles, cousins and friends.
At 17, Genevieve became an international student in the US, starting her degree in Communications. Living abroad without family was both exciting and sometimes scary. This experience gave Genevieve her understanding and empathy for new migrants and international students.
Later, Genevieve completed her postgraduate degree in London and stayed on as Pan European Director at a global advertising agency. She continued this work in Singapore as the founder and executive director of a Pan Asian advertising consultancy. Having lived on four continents, Genevieve feels at home in many communities, working to help cultures communicate with each other.
In 2014, Genevieve’s husband Martin Haese was elected the 78th Lord Mayor of Adelaide. As Lady Mayoress, Genevieve focused on multicultural engagement and sharing the stories of South Australian women.
Today, Genevieve supports these goals through her HerStory movement. She continues as a patron or ambassador for MCCSA, the United Nations Association in South Australia, the Migration Museum, and Soroptimist International, among others. As an entrepreneur, she also works with Martin in their family ventures.
Genevieve is proud and honoured to be a patron for MCCSA’s International Women’s Day. She finds collecting women’s stories and educating future generations very inspiring.
Explore our galleries to see the inspiring women who have been honoured by their community over previous years:
2022 Winners
2020 Winners
2018 Winners
