YWCA Canberra has launched the fourth wave of the successful
Our Lives: Women in the ACT Survey.
“The responses to the Our Lives survey reveal the true story of women in Canberra—their struggles, their resilience, and their aspirations for the future. This powerful survey not only informs YWCA Canberra’s advocacy agenda but also serves as a critical tool in driving meaningful policy reform across the ACT. It provides a voice for women, shaping the change they want to see in their communities” – YWCA Canberra CEO, Frances Crimmins
YWCA Canberra is partnering with local social and economic consultancy firm Sustineo who are providing valuable pro-bono support in the development and analysis of the survey. We are grateful for their support and expertise in this work. The survey is open for all women and non-binary people aged 16 years and over who live in the ACT and surrounding region. The five-minute survey asks questions relating to employment, housing, safety, and economic wellbeing.
Conducted every two years since 2019, the Our Lives survey report has become an integral element of YWCA Canberra’s advocacy agenda and informs the organisation’s contribution to public policy on housing stress, safety, and economic security.
“Our advocacy success is in no small way connected to the success of the Our Lives survey. We are grateful that women in Canberra have engaged with it and entrusted us with their experiences. This year we have set the ambitious target of 5000 responses, and we are asking women and non-binary people in Canberra to be part of the journey” – Ms Crimmins said.
The Our Lives survey paints a vivid picture across the spectrum of women’s lives. The 2023 survey revealed how deep the economic crisis was and how financially unstable many Canberra women were living.
“Sustineo is proud to again support this important project. We recognise the immense value of the survey in supporting YWCA Canberra’s advocacy work and in conveying the stories of women and non-binary people in Canberra, regardless of their circumstances” said Sustineo CEO Tom Sloan.
The 2025 Our Lives: Women in the ACT Survey will be open until October with a final report released in early December.
The survey will also be available in Arabic, Mandarin, Vietnamese and Nepali.
For more information, please contact:
Eleanor Sander O’Hearn
Executive Director Communications Advocacy Engagement
eleanor.sanderohearn@ywca-canberra.org.au
0475 240 101
Sustineo media contact:
Tom Sloan
tom.sloan@sustineo.com.au
0432 460 236