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The Door Bells- Migrant Women's Network (TDB-MWN) is a volunteer-based not-for-profit association based in the Shepparton region. It was registered in December 2021 and officially launched in April 2022.

  • Founder and President: Seema Abdullah
  • Vice President: Khadija Fatima
  • Gen. Secretary: Farah Shaikh
  • Treasurer: Fauzia Islam
  • Communications and Digital Media: Naynika Bagrecha (2022)

The group was inspired by the observation that while multiculturalism thrives in our region, migrant women remain underrepresented in the local mainstream community. Despite their active roles as parents, homemakers, professionals, or workers, these women often face barriers like a lack of access to information, opportunities, support, and networks.

Migrant women often encounter additional challenges related to settling in a new place. These include limited opportunities to join civic platforms, a lack of access to supportive networks, and fewer chances to have their voices heard and their presence seen in leadership and decision-making spaces.

There was a recognised need to increase the visibility of migrant women within civic forums, committees, service organisations, and advisory bodies. By coming together, the group aimed to provide the necessary support, resources, and opportunities to empower these women to participate actively and meaningfully in the broader community.

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for bringing the group’s vision to life. The pandemic heightened awareness of the importance of community connections and collaboration. It emphasised the need for migrant and mainstream communities to support one another, strengthening the case for a formal network to ensure migrant women were adequately represented at advocacy, advisory, and decision-making levels.

The network seeks to empower migrant women by providing platforms for leadership development, representation, and civic participation. It aims to foster a more inclusive community where women from diverse backgrounds are seen, heard, and involved in shaping the future of the region.

"The Door Bells" represents the network as a doorway to opportunity. Migrant women are encouraged to "ring the bell" and step through these doors to access opportunities for networking, personal and professional growth, leadership development, and community engagement. The network aims to empower women to achieve their full potential by providing the tools and connections they need to thrive.

The network has made notable achievements in empowering and connecting migrant women, including:

  • Membership Growth: Over 70 women from various cultural backgrounds have joined the network.
  • Events Hosted:
    • State Election Candidate Q&A (2022)
    • Voice Referendum Q&A Session (2023)
    • Local Council Election Candidate Forum (2024)
    • The Ultimate You Workshop: Empowering Migrant Women: Unleashing Your Potential (2025)
  • Opportunities Provided:
    • Board internship/observership opportunities for 4 members
    • Advocacy through writing to local media
    • Representation on Community forums
    • Local radio and TV media opportunities
  • Key Partnerships: Collaborations with organisations like La Trobe University, University of Melbourne, MEAC, and the Ethnic Council
  • Awareness and Support:
    • Sharing information about opportunities for women on Facebook, including leadership programs, volunteering award nominations, International Women's Day (IWD) women’s achievement award nominations, and advisory committee participation.
    • Encouraging, guiding, mentoring, and empowering migrant women to engage in civic forums, participate in community leadership programs, and build networks and connections within the broader community.