Media Release

3 November 2016

Women and Homelessness Forum

Auckland Women’s Centre will host a public forum this Monday evening to highlight the rising incidence of women and homelessness.

Women’s homelessness is often hidden and is sometimes a result of domestic violence. Women may stay with a violent partner because she can’t afford to leave, or she may couch-surf from one relative to another. Living in over-crowded conditions is often the experience of female homelessness.

Auckland Women’s Centre Manager, Leonie Morris, says the forum aims to make the struggle women face to gain and maintain housing visible to the wider public.

“When people think of homelessness they may picture a male rough sleeper; women, because they earn less than men, are often the head of single mum families, and sometimes need to flee abuse, have a unique experience of homeless.”

The forum will also highlight policies that can help prevent female homelessness.

Our speakers, Marama Davidson, Sophie Beaton and Maxine Revell will address:

* What are the drivers of female homelessness?

* What do homeless women experience?

* What policies prevent female homelessness?

The forum will take place on Monday 7 November from 7pm-9pm at Western Springs Community Garden Hall, 956 Great North Road, Western Springs.

ENDS

Speakers:

Marama Davidson (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngati Porou), Spokesperson, Te Wharepora Hou

Sophia Beaton, (Kāi Tahu and Kāti Mamoe), Service Designer, Lifewise

Maxine Revell, Te Rito Rodney, focusing on domestic violence

Facilitator: Suaree Borell (Ngati Maniapoto, Ngati Ranginui, and Samoan), Kaiwhakahaere, Hāpai Te Hauora.

All genders welcome.

Auckland Women’s Centre

The Auckland Women's Centre provides affordable quality welfare and support services, personal development and learning opportunities, community development programmes, and collective advocacy on women’s issues.

For more information visit: www.awc.org.nz

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