Champions of Change Coalition presents its inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), a significant step in our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and gender equality.
Our Reflect RAP marks the beginning of a purposeful journey: to deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures and histories, to promote their rights to self-determination and equality, and to better understand our sphere of influence to contribute to reconciliation. This work is underpinned by human rights frameworks including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
In 2023, we refreshed our strategy to apply an intersectional lens to all our work. In the Australian context, a genuinely intersectional approach must be grounded in reconciliation and the inclusion of First Nations peoples in all gender equality commitments and actions. The Reflect RAP is an important first step, endorsed by our Board and led by our CEO, to ensure this understanding is embedded across our organisation and amplified through our extensive network of members and partners.
The artwork featured in this RAP—Be the Change, created by Yuwaalaraay and Muruwari artist Kirsten Gray—encapsulates the spirit of our commitment. It reflects our collective dedication to reconciliation and to centring the rights, stories and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
“This Reflect RAP marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to reconciliation, recognising the importance of amplifying the voices and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our journey towards inclusive gender equality. We have much to learn from the 60,000 years of knowledge and culture that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold. I am confident that by working together, we will not only deepen our understanding but also contribute to creating a future where respect, equality, and inclusion are a reality for all Australians.”
— Annika Freyer, Chief Executive Officer, Champions of Change Coalition
“This Reflect RAP enables Champions of Change Coalition to deepen its understanding of its sphere of influence and the unique contribution it can make to lead progress. Getting these first steps right will ensure the sustainability of future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives and provide meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation journey.”
— Karen Mundine, Chief Executive Officer, Reconciliation Australia
Through this Reflect RAP, we reaffirm our commitment to listening, learning and acting together toward a safer, fairer and more inclusive Australia for everyone.