In Victoria, the housing crisis is affecting the lives of countless individuals and families of all ages, genders and ethnicities. Women’s Health Goulbourn North East (WHGNE) strongly believes housing to be a human right, and we advocate for the inclusion of community voices and lived experiences when creating new policies. In this blog, we explore why this approach is essential to ensuring that housing policies do not perpetuate harms, discriminate against or disadvantage anyone in our communities.

The right to adequate housing is a basic, universally recognised human right that that been protected in several international agreements. The United Nations says adequate housing includes more than just four walls and a roof. It also encompasses security of tenure, affordability, habitability, accessibility and cultural adequacy. It is about ensuring that everyone has a place to live in dignity, without discrimination or exclusion.

Community voices are essential to the creation of accessible housing policies. Here’s why.

Centring community voices in the creation of housing policies is crucial to prevent the occurrence of harms and discrimination. Here’s how.

On a final note, to achieve accessible housing for every Victorian, it is imperative that housing policies are created in a collaborative way that involves community voices and lived experiences. By doing so, we can ensure that our policies are rooted in empathy, equity and a deep understanding of the diverse needs of our communities.

WHGNE is committed to advocating for housing policies that promote inclusivity, eliminate discrimination and uphold the dignity and well-being of all Victorians.

Together, we can create a future where housing is always a right and never a privilege.