International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere — while also recognising the barriers many women continue to face.
For some young women, the journey to independence and stability begins in incredibly challenging circumstances. Experiences of family and domestic violence, housing instability, and the pressures of parenting at a young age can create significant barriers to security and opportunity.
At The Nest, young mothers are supported to rebuild their lives, create stable homes for their children, and move toward a future filled with possibility.
A Stable Place to Start Again
The Nest provides housing and outreach support for young parents experiencing homelessness or unstable living situations. Beyond simply providing a roof over their heads, the program focuses on empowering young women to build confidence, access services, and work toward long-term goals such as education, employment, and independence.
For young mothers like Marli, the program provided stability during one of the most difficult periods of her life. After leaving a violent home with her newborn and navigating years of housing uncertainty, Marli recently moved into long-term stable housing. With that security in place, she can now focus on the future — enrolling her child in childcare, getting her driver’s licence, and working toward study and employment.
Practical Support That Empowers
Empowerment often begins with practical support that removes barriers and helps young mothers focus on their future.
Through The Nest, women can access community connections, parenting support and essential resources. This includes donations and deliveries of newborn essentials through Little Things for Tiny Tots, helping young parents prepare for their babies without the financial pressure of purchasing everything themselves.
Programs such as Ngala’s Play & Chat in Butler also provide opportunities for young mothers to connect with other parents, build confidence in their parenting, and reduce isolation by creating supportive community networks.
These small but meaningful supports play a powerful role in helping young women feel empowered, capable, and connected.
Strength, Determination and Hope
Each woman’s journey is different, but the resilience shown by young mothers in the program is remarkable.
Isabella, who entered The Nest with her newborn after living in overcrowded conditions, has faced ongoing health challenges while caring for her child. Despite these barriers, she has maintained her tenancy, reduced financial pressures, successfully represented herself in family court, and is now planning to return to study.
Imani joined the program at just 18 while pregnant and experiencing homelessness. With support, she moved into transitional housing, engaged with mental health services, and began studying nursing. Today, she and her son are living in public housing, and she is continuing her education with the goal of becoming a paediatric doctor.
Empowering Women to Build Their Futures
These stories highlight what becomes possible when young women are supported with stable housing, practical resources, and compassionate case management.
International Women’s Day reminds us that gender equality is not only about celebrating achievements — it is also about ensuring women have the support they need to thrive. Programs like The Nest play an essential role in helping young mothers overcome barriers, break cycles of instability, and create brighter futures for themselves and their children.
Because when women are empowered with security, opportunity, and support, entire families — and communities — grow stronger.