In 2021, like many of our community, we continued to transition to the ‘COVID-normal’ but while the pandemic took the centre stage we also were very aware of the significant impact that Covid had had on women and those already in Domestic Violence situations. We knew that Stella was born to be more than just an Insurance brand as a female-first business, we had a vision to do more within the community for women.
A year on, we are so proud to announce that over the last year, our partnership and contribution have raised over $35,000 in financial support to help fund WAGEC’s Donations Program, which provides essential material items to women and children who have experienced homelessness, domestic violence and social disadvantage.
In the last year alone, WAGEC has supported over 1200 women and children in crisis and provided over $400,000 in material donations. These include tinned food, pasta, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, household items, technology, opal cards, grocery vouchers and other essential items provided by the WAGEC Community. There is a significant amount of work that happens behind the scenes to ensure that women and children receive these items, including efforts from the community, WAGEC staff and WAGEC volunteers who ensure that donations are collected, organised, and distributed to crisis refuges from their drop off point in Redfern.
“Gender-based violence impacts all of us. 1 in 3 women has experienced physical violence, and 1 in 2 women has experienced sexual harassment We also know that some women are more likely to experience violence. For example, due to the ongoing effects of colonisation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experience domestic and family violence at 3.1 times the rate of non-indigenous women. Gender inequality cannot be disentangled from other social conditions and injustices which include racism, ableism, ageism, heteronormativity, cissexism, class discrimination and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, the contemporary impacts of colonialism.
With all this in mind, we know that violence is preventable if we all work together and take responsibility. We recommend checking out Our Watch’s Change the Story Framework, which outlines essential actions that we can all take to address the gendered drivers of violence.”
At Stella, we believe that more passionate, pro-women, purpose-driven organisations will ensure a better world for women and while donating is an incredible start, it is obvious that more needs to be done to provide a safe and secure life for women not only in Australia but worldwide.
As we enter our 3rd year in business, we are excited to see what contribution we can make through the commitment we’ve made of giving $5 from every car insurance policy to WAGEC. We hope to achieve a milestone much larger every year so our impact on the community, women in need and our shared vision with WAGEC will help end gender-based violence in a generation. If you think you would like to volunteer at the Women’s and Girls Emergency Centre (WAGEC) to one of their incredible programs, you can find out more here.
#StrongerTogether
