Addressing Social Isolation
A Socially Inclusive society is defined as one where all people feel valued, their differences are respected, and their basic needs are met so they can live in dignity. On the other hand, social exclusion is the process of being shut out from the social, economic, political and cultural systems which contribute to the integration of a person into the community (Monsignor Cappo, 2002).
People experience social exclusion for a variety of reasons, for example, through discrimination, not being able to get a job, being homeless or generally being in a situation where they feel like their ideas and opinions are not valued.
WCHM is committed to working with groups of women who are marginalised and socially isolated. In the 2008-2012 Strategic Plan, WCHM has identified the following groups of women as a key focus for the organisation’s work:- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Women
- Women with Disabilities
- Institutionalised Women (including women with a lived prison experience)
- Women with Mental Health Issues
Use the headings on the left hand side of the page to see the work we are doing with these groups of women.
WCHM acknowledges that these women are just some of the many women in the ACT who experience social isolation, others are mentioned in our recent report on Marginalised and Isolated Women in the ACT Every four years, WCHM reassesses the services and support available to women in the ACT and develops a new Strategic Plan that sets our direction and focus areas over that period.
More information
The Australian Government has set up a Social Inclusion Board to help ensure that Government policies and procedures promote the inclusion of all Australians. More information can be found at the Social Inclusion Website www.socialinclusion.gov.au.
The ACT Government also addresses social inclusion through its Community Inclusion Board, which is made up of members from ACT community organisations and Government departments. More information about the Board can be found at the ACT Community Inclusion Board homepage.