Morning Sky Initiative

The Morning Sky Initiative is Murawin’s philanthropic endeavour. The Initiative focuses on educational and economic empowerment and gender equality for First Nations women and girls, whilst at the same time collaborating with sisters from culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) backgrounds to work together for collective empowerment. The Morning Sky Initiative is deeply rooted in First Nations ways of knowing, being and doing. The Initiative was developed as part of Murawin’s contribution to Closing the Gap on First Nations disadvantage and empowering First Nations women and girls to lead the change. We extend that support women and girls from CARM backgrounds through collaboration.

Our Story

Improving social and economic outcomes which leads to healing and wellbeing for women has always been an important driver for Dunghutti woman, Carol Vale. Murawin’s Co-Founder and CEO, Carol had the enlightening experience of reading ‘Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide1’. This book had a profound impact on her, with its passionate call to arms against the oppression of women and girls in the developing world stirring in her a dream to create an Australian First Nations Women’s ‘Half the Sky,’ which aims to have the same life changing impact on others just as the original book had on Carol. The Morning Sky Initiative is Murawin’s own gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) initiative.

The Initiative focuses on educational and economic empowerment and gender equality for First Nations women and girls, whilst at the same time collaborating with sisters from culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) backgrounds to work together for collective empowerment. The Morning Sky Initiative is deeply rooted in First Nations ways of knowing, being and doing. The Initiative was developed as part of Murawin’s contribution to Closing the Gap on First Nations disadvantage and empowering First Nations women and girls to lead the change. We extend that support women and girls from CARM backgrounds through collaboration.

1 Kristof, ND & WuDunn, S 2009, Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, Alfred A. Knopf New York
2Australian Human Rights Commission 2020, The Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices): Securing our Rights, Securing our Future Report,

Projects, Programs & Opportunities

1. Investing in Women
Murawin has been supporting a broad range of initiatives aimed at empowering First Nations girls and women and has provided financial support, to enable them to become economically independent, strengthen their self-esteem, be self-reliant, and have the confidence to become active agents in socio-economic development endeavours.

2. Thought Leadership
Murawin adopts a strategic approach to promote our leadership practices and extend potential support to First Nations and CARM girls and women. We create collaborative community spaces where we can share ideas and works to foster the growth of female-led businesses. We seek opportunities to present and publish our work and project outcomes in journals, conferences and seminars to contribute to the broader dialogue on socio-economic development. By sharing our research and insights with the wider community, we also hope to inspire others to take action and contribute to creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

3. Our Workstream Projects
Murawin’s Social Impact and Engagement workstream focuses on creating impact and improving outcomes for Indigenous and marginalised peoples and working toward First Nations women’s business and economic development.
International Development project :
Murawin is establishing our strong base and presence in the International Development space, particularly in the South Pacific and Asian countries, to develop relationships and alliances with partner organisations that support community-based projects in GEDSI.

Tiddas in Business program :
The program is a series of culturally appropriate business activities that introduce entrepreneurship, business, and leadership skills for women wanting to start their own business. The activities are led by successful First Nations businesswomen who provide insights, strategies, tools, and resources for starting and growing a business. The program consists of Business Ready Workshops, Master Classes, Virtual Mentoring Circles, and Leadership Training.

Under Evaluation and Research, Murawin builds and strengthens research and evaluation project / research opportunities in GEDSI areas to inform accountability and advocacy for delivering gender equality and women’s empowerment outcomes

Place Strategy works closely with clients across infrastructural, architectural design and ecological sectors. We believe GEDSI needs to be considered in any projects, particularly for the unique and complex situations faced by First Nations people, so Murawin offers gender assessment and impact analysis to clients across these sectors.

4. Empowering Minds Program

The aim of the Empowering Minds Program:

1. To connect First Nations and CARM children with resources that will support their diverse and inclusive education learning needs.
2. To encourage First Nations and CARM children to develop a lifelong love of learning and in particular reading.
3. To contribute to Closing The Gap for First Nations and CARM children in education.
4. To help break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage and provide greater opportunities for First Nations and CARM children, to support their chances of a financially stable and secure future.