Multicultural Families Group
Gidget Foundation Australia (GFA) has established the Multicultural Families Group to identify and address the unique challenges of expectant and new parents from multicultural communities. We aim to ensure that services provided by GFA are assessed, reviewed, and improved in ways that promote accessibility and inclusion.
The group provides evidence-based recommendations to GFA leadership when planning and designing services, with the goal of improving accessibility, cultural sensitivity, and mental health outcomes in care provided by GFA. We are aware of the complexity and diversity of experiences among culturally and linguistically diverse individuals who also experience perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA). We aim to apply an intersectional lens to service planning, design, and delivery, acknowledging and addressing the compounding pressures of the perinatal period on groups such as migrant communities, refugee communities, and those whose cultural or linguistic backgrounds provide limited scope for seeking mental health support.
Position Statement
Gidget Foundation Australia (GFA) expresses deep concern for the escalating human rights violations against parents and children in conflict zones where war has devastated health systems and eliminated safe birthing environments. UNICEF and Save the Children have reported catastrophic conditions in these areas – including an increase in the number of women giving birth without medical support, an increase in preventable newborn deaths, and an increase in families enduring starvation, trauma and loss.
As a perinatal mental health organisation, GFA recognises that these harms extend beyond borders. In Australia, parents from these affected communities suffer grief, vicarious trauma and fear. These experiences amplify the risk of perinatal anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
GFA calls for urgent recognition that physically and emotionally safe parenthood is a human right, and GFA remains committed to promoting awareness, driving advocacy, educating communities, and delivering timely, specialist care. GFA stands with parents and children everywhere, and particularly those disproportionately impacted by war and conflict.
This artwork represents the cultural diversity of our global community. Composed of patterns, shapes and art from a myriad of Eastern, Arabesque and South Asian traditions, this image meshes together a plurality of cultural celebration, embracing Gidget Foundation Australia’s commitment to inclusion of all, at its core. Specifically, the intricacy inspired by traditional henna designs, symbolises the nuance of every individual. And the mandala encasing the Gerbera affirms that together we are stronger because of our collective diversity. This ethos aligns with Gidget Foundation’s recognition of the rich cultural dimension their clients present with, and how commitment to meaningful inclusion is undertaken with respect and agency."
Somaya Moosajee
Information and real stories
.png)
