Media release

These women’s achievements stand out against a broader national challenge. The Workplace Gender Equality Agency reports women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are over-represented in low-paid and insecure work. They also face language barriers, social exclusion and financial strain. Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows their workforce participation remains significantly lower than  migrant men, at 47.3 per cent compared to 69.5 per cent.

Sadaf’s story

When the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, women were banned from universities. This political event abruptly ended Sadaf’s Bachelor of Diplomacy and Arabic Literature studies.

“It was like building a city for years and then overnight someone takes it all from you,” Sadaf said. “I lost all my rights to study.”

Forced to flee with her family, she arrived in the Hunter region of NSW in 2024 determined to start again. Through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), she improved her English, then enrolled in the TAFE NSW Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation — a pathway to university. Despite balancing part-time work and adjusting to life in a new country, she still finished in the top 10 students from across the state.

“When I got my results, it felt like all the challenges paid off at once,” she said. “I’m proud I didn’t give up.”

She now plans to study law or pharmacy, and advocate for others experiencing injustice.

Rita’s story

For Iraqi national Rita Al-Ton, the turning point came with her first words of English at the age of 24. Arriving in Australia in 2022 after years of displacement, Rita enrolled in English classes at TAFE NSW Bankstown through AMEP.

“Starting from zero was challenging,” Rita said. “At first, I was shy and nervous to speak. But step by step, my confidence grew.”

She progressed from the Certificate I to the Certificate III in English as an Additional Language while volunteering in her community. Today, she works in a Sydney court as a monitor and court officer, transcribing proceedings and supporting court operations.

“I love working at the court. It makes me feel like I’m achieving something important and contributing to society,” she said. “When I told my parents, they were so proud.”

Nafiseh’s story

Nafiseh Javani arrived in Australia from Iran with a background in architecture but limited English. Even answering her phone felt overwhelming.

“Before studying at TAFE NSW Ultimo, when someone called my phone, I couldn’t answer because I couldn’t understand them,” Nafiseh said.

“Within a few months, I answered a call and understood everything. It felt like freedom.”

After completing her English studies through AMEP, Nafiseh went on to complete a Certificate IV in Residential Drafting and is now studying a Diploma of Building Design. Her goal is to work for a major design company and bring modern architectural ideas to life in Australia.

Providing education pathways that support migrant and refugee women to secure employment, directly serves Australia’s continued focus on productivity and skills shortages. This International Women’s Day, their journeys highlight the economic and social return that is unlocked when women are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives through education.

About the Adult Migrant English Program

The AMEP is a free English language tuition service delivered by TAFE NSW and funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

Media contact: Sarah James, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.

Keep up to date with what’s happening at TAFE NSW by reading more stories.