In this episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, host Di Gillett sits down with Michelle Phillips, CEO of YWCA Australia, to talk about one of the most urgent issues facing Australian women today: homelessness and the fight for safe, secure housing.
From launching the Women’s A-League to leading global reproductive health services, Michelle’s career has been grounded in fairness, equity, and bold leadership. Now, she’s on the frontlines of Australia’s housing crisis, reshaping how we think about women’s homelessness and why “a roof over your head” is only part of the story.
In this episode, we explore:
- The early signs of housing insecurity many women miss
- Why women are more vulnerable to homelessness than ever before
- The powerful role of community support and policy change
- What the YWCA’s Women’s Housing Framework is doing differently
Michelle outlined that:
🔑 “Housing is a basic human right.”
🔑 “If we don’t have more homes built specifically for women, we will not solve the housing crisis for women.”
🔑 “Women and children aren’t able to leave abusive situations because there’s nowhere to go.”
🔑 “Women just don’t ask for help… and that makes a lot of women’s homelessness quite hidden.”
🔑 “It’s not about choices—it’s the systemic barriers that put women at risk of homelessness.”
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Find Michelle Phillips & the YWCA at:
Learn more about the Women’s Housing Framework and how to support YWCA: www.ywca.org.au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-phillips-au/
Instagram: @ywcaaustralia
💬 If safe housing is a basic right, what can we each do today to help make it a reality for every woman? Share your ideas in the comments.
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