As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 under the theme “Inspire Inclusion,” we are honoured to spotlight Arise Foundation, a trailblazing women-owned business committed to empowering survivors of financial abuse.
Law Image was delighted to join forces with Arise Foundation for a meaningful collaboration, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to supporting impactful projects. As part of our collaboration, we had the privilege of inviting the co-founders of the organisation to share their insights and perspectives, particularly in honour of International Women’s Day. This collaboration not only exemplifies Law Image’s ongoing dedication to corporate social responsibility, but also our belief in the transformative power of partnerships that contribute to positive change in society.
In this exclusive Q&A session, we delve into the insights and experiences of Arise Foundation’s Co-Founders, both visionary women leaders dedicated to fostering financial freedom through impactful initiatives.
Q&A with Tasnia Alam Hannan, Co-Founder of Arise Foundation
Q: Could you elaborate on your journey and the role you play within Arise Foundation?
A: My journey has been one filled with determination and purpose to positively influence and impact the lives of others. Having witnessed someone go through domestic and family violence (DFV) and feeling trapped due to financial dependency, I embarked on a journey with my amazing Co-Founder, Fariha Chowdhury to assist survivors of DFV attain financial freedom. Arise Foundation is an award winning Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to assisting survivors of financial abuse and DFV at the Recovery & Healing stage. We focus on empowering DFV survivors, to achieve financial independence through evidence-based and trauma-informed education and employment pathways. My role involves strategic planning, funding acquisition, government relations, operational oversight, and ensuring that our programs are effectively addressing the needs of those we serve.
Q: What does Women’s Day mean to you personally, and how does it align with the mission of Arise Foundation?
A: International Women’s Day holds deep significance for me as it celebrates the achievements and contributions of women worldwide. It aligns perfectly with Arise Foundation’s mission of empowering women to reclaim their autonomy and rebuild their lives. Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of women, while also highlighting the importance of gender equity and inclusivity. At Arise Foundation, we strive to ensure women have the opportunity to thrive free from violence and financial hardship.
Q: What is the highlight of your career?
A: The highlight of my career thus far has been the establishment and seeing the growth of Arise Foundation with my Co-Founder, Fariha Chowdhury. Witnessing the positive impact our organisation has had on the lives of DFV survivors, and seeing women regain their independence and confidence, has been incredibly fulfilling. Further, on having the ability to influence and impart my experience and teach the next generation of social entrepreneurs has also been a source of accomplishment.
Q: Do you want to share a few words about this year’s International Women’s Day theme – Inspire Inclusion?
A: Inclusion is at the heart of our work, as we strive to support and uplift all survivors of DFV, regardless of their background or circumstances. By promoting inclusivity, we can create a more equitable society where every woman feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach her full potential.
Q: How has the collaboration with our organisation contributed to the success of Arise Foundation’s project?
A: Collaboration with organisations like yours has allowed us to provide access to content and material for women doing the Arise Academy programs, including our flagship Employment Ready Program.
Q: What advice do you have for women who aspire to make a difference and contribute to positive change in their communities?
A: My advice would be to find causes that resonate with you deeply and commit yourself wholeheartedly to them. Seek out mentors and allies who can support and guide you along the way. Remember that change often starts at the grassroots level, so don’t underestimate the power of your voice and actions.
Q&A with Fariha Chowdhury, Co-Founder of Arise Foundation
Q: Could you elaborate on your journey and the role you play within Arise Foundation?
A: Three years ago, I co-founded Arise Foundation with Tasnia Alam Hannan when I left my corporate job in finance sector after witnessing first-hand the impact of domestic violence on a friend. Tasnia and I passionately believed and believe that education and stable employment is key to financial independence and it is what we want to make available for women across Australia who have been impacted by domestic and family violence. As co-founders and CEO, we are involved in pretty much all aspects of the organisation. I am involved in strategy, financials, relationship building to raise awareness and fund for Arise, risk and governance of the company. We have been fortunate to be able to have two employees join us in 2022 to assist us with the operation of Arise, healing and employment support for the clients.
Q: What does Women’s Day mean to you personally, and how does it align with the mission of Arise Foundation?
A: I was brought by two amazing parents who guided me to believe that I can do anything and that my skin, religion or gender should not be a barrier to my dreams. I was also fortunate to have fantastic people especially men supporting me in my career. When I was made a Director and then took on my first C-suite role as Regional CFO, many women especially from CALD background approached me and through discussion I realised the gender pay gap, the confidence gap and the perception gap of women.
Through this insight, my co-founder and myself have not only tried to remove barriers to access equitable economic opportunity such as through offering laptops and Wi-Fi data, but we have incorporated into our course confidence building (some class delivered by men) to ensure the Arise women understand their value and rights.
Q: What is the highlight of your career?
A: When one of the first Arise graduates from the Employment Ready Program (ERP) told us that she has been able to afford a rental apartment due to financial security and saving through her steady employment post the ERP. This was after months of living in a shelter and returning to her partner twice. She was able to break the cycle of homelessness and abuse for herself and her sons.
It was a career highlight for me as here was a resilient woman who now has the choice on how she lives and what she can achieve. She and the many Arise women are my inspiration.
Q: Do you want to share a few words about this year’s International Women’s Day theme – Inspire Inclusion?
A: For me, inspire inclusion is no longer about including others in the conversation, but what actions are being taken to offer equitable opportunities for all.
Q: How has the collaboration with our organisation contributed to the success of Arise Foundation’s project?
A: The printing of the Employment Ready Program booklet is key to boosting the confidence and information retention for the Arise women enrolled in the program. While yes it’s nice to receive an organised and aesthetically pleasing book, for women who have cognitive impairment due to the abuse, the printed program book allows them to write and retain information.
Q: What advice do you have for women who aspire to make a difference and contribute to positive change in their communities?
A: Start now, every action makes a difference. Google organisation who are helping the cause you are passionate about such as Arise Foundation and contact them. Your skill, time, advocacy and money are much needed especially by the not-for-profit charities.
Law Image’s Proud Support for Arise Foundation
In the spirit of International Women’s Day and the theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ we are delighted to share that Law Image proudly contributed support to one of Arise Foundation’s impactful projects with our printing service. We extend our sincere appreciation to Arise Foundation for the inspiring work they do, and we are honoured to contribute to their empowering initiatives.
This International Women’s Day, Arise Foundation stands as a beacon of inspiration, exemplifying the spirit of inclusion and empowerment.
About Arise Foundation
Arise Foundation focuses on the empowerment and financial freedom of survivors of financial abuse through employment training and job placement, wrap-around support services and advocacy. Arise’s focus is exclusively on the sustainable financial independence and economic and mental well-being of women survivors of DFV, which in turn equals Prevention through breaking the cycle of homelessness, abuse and intergenerational violence.
Know more: https://arisefoundation.org.au/
Let us draw inspiration from their journey and collectively work towards a world where every woman has the opportunity to rise and thrive.
Happy International Women’s Day – Together, Let’s Inspire Inclusion!
About Law Image: Law Image is a leading information management company. Headquartered in Melbourne, we have offices in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. Law Image support law firms, government departments, and other industries across Australia with end-to-end document management and legal technology solutions.
For Marketing & Branding inquiries, contact:
Siddhi Chavan (communications@lawimage.com)
Marketing Specialist
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