Events

COVID 19 has brought inequity in society into stark relief. It has drawn attention to and exacerbated many longstanding and structural injustices, whilst also showing what a more just society might look like. Harms that have been previously largely invisible to those who do not experience them are being recognised, and questions of redress and accountability are increasingly being asked.

In this Critical Issues seminar, Jennifer Balint will reflect on what the future of justice could look like. What are the conditions for a just society? Who is accountable for it? What does access to justice require? What is the future of justice in a post-pandemic world?

Ms Abiola Ajetomobi, the Director of Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) Innovation Hub, will speak on the critical role allies and advocates play in changing systems and policies to make society fairer.

As individuals, small groups, movements, organisations, academia, social, public and political sectors, we have a pivotal role in gathering allies and advocates to activate change and leverage action to create a wider impact for community advancement. Harnessing the power of allyship and advocacy for change strengthens diversity and social inclusion to counter racism or alleviate social injustice in Australia, Africa, and worldwide.

Africa has endured a long history of oppression, suppression, determination and freedom; many generations using their pain from battles to forge ahead and create a better future for generations to come. Envisioning a future of equity, equality, and true justice in Africa demands a shift in systems thinking and behaviour, policy reform and best practice adoptions to reform broader policy and practice implications across the continent and beyond.

Traversing a continent of wider social and macro change has been a constant battle with a corrupt government and poor resource management. Building waves of social and policy change through advocacy while addressing and overcoming systemic inequity requires allies and advocates that can use their platform, resources, expertise, influence and competence to raise new and emerging leaders that will take Africa to the next level and secure the future and sustainable independence of generations to come.