International Women’s Day, held annually on March 8, celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. It is also a call to action, reminding us that progress toward gender equality must continue.
While we honour the resilience and accomplishments of women, many young women in Australia are still fighting for something far more fundamental: safety, stability and a place to call home.
In 2024–25, around 40,500 children and young people aged 12–24 presented alone to Specialist Homelessness Services, representing 14% of all clients. Of these unaccompanied young people, 65% were female (AIHW, 2024–25). Behind these numbers are young women navigating trauma, housing instability, and profound uncertainty.
At Lighthouse Foundation, we support young women at risk of homelessness and trauma through our specialised Young Women’s Freedom Program, Young Parents & Babies Program, and our transitional and therapeutic homes., We stand alongside these brave young women not only on this day, but everyday – celebration and in action.
Spotlight on Masuma: Passion, Purpose, and Supporting Young Women’s Freedom
This International Women’s Day, we are proud to spotlight Masuma, Therapeutic Case Manager in our Young Women’s Freedom Program here at Lighthouse Foundation.
Born and raised in Afghanistan, Masuma witnessed firsthand the injustices faced by women and girls in her community. She recalls friends being set up for early forced marriages and the fragility of women’s rights amid political instability. These formative experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to advocating for women’s safety and autonomy.
“I made a promise to myself at a very young age that I didn’t want to be a victim to society’s misogyny. I want to have a voice and I want to fight for myself.”
Masuma studied medicine in Afghanistan before continuing her studies in psychology in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. She later found her way to Australia, where she continues her education while working therapeutically with young women at Lighthouse.
Our Young Women’s Freedom Program supports young women experiencing or at risk of early forced marriage, domestic servitude and modern slavery. Masuma brings not only professional expertise, but deep cultural understanding and compassion to this work.
“My passion for my work doesn’t just come from seeing women’s suffering, but also seeing how strong they are in the face of oppression.”
Her message to young women who may be struggling this International Women’s Day is simple but powerful:
“You are not alone.”
Stay tuned on our socials to learn more about Masuma’s story and check out her podcast, ‘A Time Just for You’, (all episodes in Dari (Afghan Persian).
The Hidden Reality of Young Women Experiencing Homelessness in Australia
When we think of homelessness, we often picture rough sleeping. But for most young women, homelessness is hidden.
They may be couch surfing, staying in overcrowded homes, moving between temporary accommodations, or remaining in unsafe environments because they have nowhere else to go. According to national data, only around 2% of young people experiencing homelessness are sleeping rough. The majority are living in severely insecure situations.
In the 2021 Census, young females had a homelessness rate of 70 per 10,000., and were more likely than young males to be in supported accommodation or temporarily staying with other households (ABS, 2021).
This instability affects every part of a young woman’s life: education, employment, mental health and relationships.
Through our Young Women’s Freedom Program and Young Parents & Babies Program, Lighthouse provides safe housing and safe therapeutic relationships. We recognise that young women need more than a roof over their heads; they need safety, trust, and long-term support to rebuild.
The Link Between Domestic and Family Violence and Youth Homelessness
Domestic and family violence is one of the leading causes of youth homelessness for young women.
For many, leaving home is not a choice; it is an act of survival.
A recent snapshot of young people accessing youth homelessness services in Victoria revealed:
- 83% lost their home due to family violence
- 31% experienced this before the age of 16
- 67% were known to Child Protection
- 65% reported self-harm, suicidal ideation or a suicide-related incident
- 66% were not engaged in study or employment
The trauma associated with violence and homelessness cannot be addressed by housing alone.
That is why Lighthouse’s trauma-informed Lighthouse Model of Care is central to everything we do. Within safe, stable homes, young people are supported by therapeutic relationships that allow them to heal and build trust over time.
The impact is long-term: 8 out of 10 young people who complete Lighthouse programs do not re-enter homelessness.
Why Supporting Young Women Strengthens Our Communities
When we invest in young women, we strengthen entire communities.
Stable housing dramatically improves the likelihood that a young woman can stay engaged in education or training. With consistency and support, she can pursue employment, build financial independence, and form healthy relationships.
For young mothers, stability means breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma. Children raised in safe, supported environments are more likely to experience positive health, education and social outcomes.
The ripple effects extend far beyond one individual. Communities benefit from:
- Reduced reliance on crisis services
- Improved workforce participation
- Stronger family stability
- Lower long-term social and economic costs
On International Women’s Day, equality must include access to safe housing and the opportunity to thrive.
How You Can Take Meaningful Action This International Women’s Day
Awareness matters. But action changes lives. Here are ways you can stand alongside young women this March 8:
- Donate: Your gift helps provide safe housing, therapeutic care and long-term support.
- Become a Lighthouse Keeper: By giving monthly, you provide consistent support that allows programs like Young Women’s Freedom and Young Parents & Babies to deliver long-term, stable care.
- Get your workplace involved: Workplace giving enables pre-tax payroll donations, making regular support simple and sustainable. You could also organise a fundraising activity with your team.
- Share our work: Start a conversation with your family, friends or colleagues about youth homelessness and how it uniquely impacts young women.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is International Women’s Day celebrated?
International Women’s Day is observed annually on March 8 and is recognised globally as a day to celebrate women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality.
Are young women at higher risk of homelessness?
Yes, particularly in adolescence. Australian data shows young people aged 12–24 make up a significant proportion of those experiencing homelessness, and teenage girls have some of the highest rates of accessing homelessness services. While overall homelessness numbers are higher for males, young women are disproportionately impacted by drivers such as family violence, family breakdown and housing insecurity, which increases their risk of entering homelessness.
What causes young women to experience homelessness?
Youth homelessness has multiple drivers, including family breakdown and domestic violence, financial hardship, lack of affordable housing, and mental health challenges. These factors often intersect, creating complex barriers to stability. To learn more about each driver in depth, check out this blog.
How can I support young women experiencing homelessness this International Women’s Day?
You can donate, become a regular giver, organise workplace fundraising, or raise awareness within your community. Supporting Lighthouse Foundation directly funds programs that provide safe housing and therapeutic care.
How does Lighthouse Foundation help young women rebuild their lives?
Through our trauma-informed model of care, Lighthouse provides young women with safe housing and consistent therapeutic support.
- The Young Women’s Freedom Program supports young women experiencing or at risk of early forced marriage, domestic servitude and modern slavery.
- The Young Parents & Babies Program supports young mothers to build healthy relationships and routines, develop parenting confidence, and create stable futures for themselves and their children.
- The Therapeutic Program provides vulnerable young people with a warm, safe, Lighthouse home with 24/7 live-in care, helping them heal from trauma and develop life skills.
- The Transitional Program bridges the gap between intensive therapeutic support and fully independent living, for those who may not have the capacity, structures or supports around them to sustain independent living themselves.
Together, we can ensure that International Women’s Day is not only a celebration, but a commitment to action for young women who need it most
