Community-based research partnerships in action

The 4th ARWDO Annual Community Picnic, was a fantastic event teaming with community connection and with record-breaking attendance this year - 550 women and children joining in the fun on a beautiful sunny day in Lakemba, NSW. The volunteer and refugee-run event is an important date in the local Rohingya calendar - bringing women and children together in a safe, celebratory space for a delicious meal, chat and games. Community building is centre.

The Centre of Excellence on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW)’s “Relationships First”, principle is embraced in the research partnership between the Australian Rohingya Women’s Development Organisation (ARWDO) and ANU Research team.

“I have been lucky enough to be a part of the running of the day as supporter and volunteer four years running. The last 2 years, I have also represented the ANU and CEVAW and by doing so, linking research and community” ANU Research Fellow Dr. Zoe Bell

ARWDO members are co-researchers within the displacement research project initiative and also collaborate as part of the 2026 CEVAW strategic initiative evaluating the “Meeras Pavillion” - which explores the relationship between art, community expression and violence risk mitigation.

ARWDO and CEVAW research partners Sajeda Bahadurmina and Asma Nayim Ullah travelled to Canberra as part of research activities and policy discussions linked to the 2026 Myanmar Update co-convened by Prof. Bina D’Costa with the Myanmar Research Centre.  

Footage 2025 ARWDO picnic: Where research meets community building: ARWDO, CEVAW & ANU