Support programs at Australian universities often fall short in addressing the distinct needs of students from forcibly displaced backgrounds. The Justice Inclusion Access (JEINA) aim is to help build an equitable future for all forced migrant women in our community.
While many initiatives are designed with local students in mind, displaced students often face unique barriers such as a lack of cultural integration efforts, financial aid and language challenges. These issues are compounded by the absence of targeted training for university staff and faculty, which can erode trust and further marginalise displaced students. These systemic gaps significantly hinder both academic achievement and overall well-being, highlighting the urgent need for tailored, inclusive support.
In response to these challenges, Dr Parisa Glass, herself a former refugee, founded the Justice Inclusion Access (JEINA) initiative at UNSW Sydney in 2024. As the first program of its kind at an Australian university, JEINA was co-designed by women with lived experience from across UNSW faculties and the wider NSW community. The initiative is built on principles of trust, respect, and a deep commitment to empowering women from forcibly displaced backgrounds—individuals who are often among the most affected by the consequences of displacement.
JEINA defines forced displacement as the experience of being compelled to leave one’s homeland due to circumstances beyond one’s control. This inclusive definition is based on lived experiences rather than legal or visa status, ensuring that support is accessible to everyone who shares this reality.
JEINA conducts research to identify the specific educational and career development needs of these women and translates the findings into actionable support. At the heart of the initiative is the Super-connector Platform, a centralised hub that connects participants with essential services, tools, training, and resources to bridge gaps and facilitate collaboration. Through mentorship, leadership development, career coaching, scholarships, internships, and networking opportunities, JEINA encourages empowerment and long-term success.
JEINA recently launched the Inspire Scholarship, a transformative initiative designed to empower women from forced-migration backgrounds to pursue entrepreneurship, launch businesses, and advance their professional journeys. Developed in collaboration with UNSW Founders, the Liverpool Innovation Precinct, and the University of Wollongong’s iAccelerate, the scholarship offers more than just financial support. It provides a comprehensive ecosystem of mentorship, training, and networking opportunities, accelerating participants’ pathways to meaningful employment and sustainable enterprise creation.