Women’s Housing Framework

YWCA Australia is currently piloting an Australian sector-first model called the Women’s Housing Framework.

This framework identifies best practice approaches to designing, acquiring, and operating housing for women. Based on findings taken from women-centred literature and learnings from those with lived experience of housing insecurity and homelessness, the Framework outlines small changes an organisation can make to ensure they are working with residents to support them in achieving positive housing and individual outcomes linked to broader gender equality outcomes.

How is it Structured?

There are four domains of impact which are designed to improve women’s housing stability and their capacity to fully participate in society.

Participation and Collaboration

Actively involved in housing management
Integrate and participate with their community, families and social circles
Actively seek to learn new skills
Access meaningful and secure employment while actively participating in community

Safety and Security

Feel safe and secure within their community
Feel seen and supported, safe and secure within their homes
Learn sustainable environmental practices
Achieve financial security and independence

Agency

Know themselves
Determine the course of their future, live as independently as possible
Have influence and control over their home
Self-organise and form a supportive community.

Health and Wellbeing

Create healthy and sustainable habits
Independently manage their health and wellbeing supports
Strengthen their familial and social relationships
Process and heal their trauma
Strengthen cultural and spiritual connections