On 19 June 2025, Kowanj Australasia CEO Ashoup Atar, Board Chair and value stakeholders presented at Parliament House to raise awareness of the barriers facing African, refugee, migrant and CALD communities.
The presentation focused on the need for stronger cultural awareness, better employment support, and greater investment in community-led organisations. Many refugees and migrants continue to face social, cultural and employment barriers that make it difficult to fully participate in Australian society.
As a grassroots organisation, Kowanj Australasia supports refugees and migrants to integrate into the Australian education and employment environment. Through partnerships with communities, training organisations, local businesses and government, Kowanj helps create practical pathways toward independence, economic participation and long-term employment.
Ashoup Atar has dedicated her life to supporting migrant communities since arriving in Australia. Under her leadership, Kowanj has achieved strong outcomes across education and employment, with a 75% positive impact rate across its programs.
The presentation also highlighted the funding gap faced by grassroots organisations. While Kowanj continues to self-fund many of its programs, limited funding restricts how many people can be supported.
Kowanj believes prevention must be part of the broader conversation. When community-led organisations are properly supported, they can help reduce poverty, improve employment outcomes and prevent people from falling through the cracks.
Refugee and migrant communities do not need punishment or exclusion. They need support, opportunity and systems that understand their lived experience.
Kowanj Australasia remains committed to replacing cycles of disadvantage with pathways to opportunity, helping refugee and migrant communities not only participate in society, but lead within it.
Watch the story
Hear from Kowanj Australasia’s brand ambassador (Emmanuel Malou) as they share their story and the importance of culturally informed community support.
