Student and beauty pageant veteran Acholly Arow is on a mission to make the world a better place.
The Victoria University student, 24, has her sights on improving gender equality, particularly across diverse communities.
Ms Arow moved from South Sudan to Australia with her family at the age of eight.
She became involved in beauty pageants in her teens as a way to build her confidence, finding a platform to talk about issues she feels to be important.
The political science student is now looking for further avenues to help tackle violence against women.
“I’m a very shy person, so to get experience and to learn to talk to people I started getting involved in uni life and joining clubs,” she said.
“Last year there was a program with [settlement agency] AMES Australia through VU concentrating on the prevention of violence against women. It changed my life.
“I’m more aware of violence against women, the types of violence women go through, so I decided I want to work more with the cultural community and the broader community to bring awareness.”
Ms Arow said shortly afterwards she experienced violence first-hand, helping her understand why it’s hard for victims to come forward. She followed this with her first visit back to South Sudan since childhood.
“They have a higher rate of domestic and gender-based violence, for me to see that first-hand was an eye-opener for sure,” she said.
On her return to Australia she began planning a women’s empowerment seminar, held over the weekend in Footscray.
Ms Arow said we are doing better as a society having the discussion than in the past.
“Three to five years ago men were afraid to say a word around this, but each year and each day that goes by people learn,” she said.
“Men are not so afraid to be in a room and actually have this discussion.
“Women are taking leadership, they’re out there protesting on social med, so it’s also a great way for people to come together, share their stories and feel comfort. It’s all about respecting.”
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
