Community leader and advocate, Charles Sessay is championing the western Melbourne community of migrant and refugee women by effectively combating unemployment rates as CEO of local, volunteer-run not-for-profit, Kontiki Cultural Womens’ Empowerment. 

With The Refugee Council of Australia recently estimating that nearly 19,000 refugees and asylum seekers on temporary visas will lose their jobs because of the current economic downturn, Charles and the team’s work in empowering and upskilling women is proving more valuable than ever. The not-for-profit’s main goal is to build the capacity of women of all ages from refugee and migrant backgrounds to become self- sufficient, learn new skills and become socially connected. 

The initiative was founded after Charles noticed a lack of businesses that focused on teaching employable skills to people, when he migrated from Sierra Leone in 2007. The group was launched in 2012 and now operates out of Sunshine Plaza, with the aim of upskilling and empowering refugee and migrant women. 

“The goal of Kontiki is to build the capability of women of all ages from refugee and migrant backgrounds, bring them together, get them socially connected and also give them skills,” said Charles. 

Skills taught through Kontiki Cultural Women's Empowerment include African sewing techniques, Gara and Batik ink tie-dye, macrame and basket weaving as well as giving women the stage twice a year to model their designs. 

Having grown in leaps and bounds since their first location, which featured four domestic sewing machines and a small round table, Charles is proud to boast of how far Kontiki has come. 

“We began crawling like a child, however with persistence and resilience we began to stand on our own two feet,” said Charles. 

Kontiki now features 10 industrial sewing machines and provides a safe and educational environment for women seven days a week from 9:30am to 5pm.

Importantly, Kontiki programs will always be there for the women who wish to utilise them. 

“As long as women wish to learn new things, Kontiki will be here to teach them. We strive to keep giving the women the opportunities they want.” 

LCI Melbourne Art and Design Academy student, Ada Frieka, said the group has assisted her with her drive to learn African sewing techniques, pairing perfectly with her fashion degree. 

“At first I was nervous to join as I wasn’t very confident speaking to people, but as the years went on, Kontiki Cultural Women's Empowerment gave me self-assurance to expand myself socially and in my everyday life,” said Ada. 

Furthering his positive impact on the community, Charles Sessay works alongside the Victorian Multicultural Commission in supporting refugees and migrants throughout COVID-19. 

“We go around and see the community's concerns,” Charles said. “I believe there should be more sensitisation, not just for old but for younger people too, not everyone easily understands how to scan a QR code.” 

Charles’ story is just one of many featured in Sunshine Plaza’s latest in-centre exhibition, Faces of Sunshine, which explores the diverse and inspiring stories of those who reside in the West. 

From ambitious small business success stories to life-changing health journeys, the exhibition celebrates the determination and resilience of the West’s people through stunning imagery. 

Faces of Sunshine will be on display in Sunshine Plaza in August and will be rolling out across Sunshine Plaza’s social media this month. For more information, please visit: www.sunshineplazamelbourne.com.au