The Albury Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council event for culturally and linguistically diverse women was addressed by human rights advocate Fadak Alfayadh.

"I've been going around Australia to tell my story of coming here as a refugee as a child," she said.

"I spoke at a conference last year at Albury-Wodonga and made a lot of connections, so I was excited to be asked to come back.

"I work in prevention of violence against women, so it's nice to be in a space where women feel empowered and connected to each other."

Ms Alfayadh said growing up in an accepting community in Melbourne had helped her get to where she was today.

"I didn't speak a word of English when I came to Australia and in less than 20 years, I've been able to become a lawyer," she said.

"I want to share that sense of confidence with these women and urge them to connect with each other; talking is really important."

Padma Ayyagari attended the event at Hothouse Theatre at Gateway Village and said it built on the good work AWECC was doing such as running culture clubs.

"One of the things I would like to see come from this is a women's circle that meets weekly or fortnightly," she said.

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"Everyone has so much to offer; aside from the problems they may have, every women has a talent that is unique to them and that needs to be shared.

"They can give back to the community and that makes hurt more manageable."

It was AWECC chairwoman Rupinder Kaur's second time speaking with Ms Alfayadh.

"It's really good to see her back and it's important for us all to create a sisterhood," she said.

"Women are still facing challenges, and they don't know where to seek help; the infinity project we are running will help that."

AWECC's 'Infinity Project' is sponsored by Border Trust through community funding from White Ribbon.

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