Paving the way for better housing outcomes for women

YWCA Australia have launched their new Women's Liveability Assessment - a free online resource to help community housing organisations deliver gender responsive housing solutions.   

The tool was funded by Homes Victoria and developed in collaboration with sector partners CHIA Vic, Community Housing Victoria Limited and Women’s Property Initiatives.   

Women and gender diverse people have housing needs that may differ from other households, including different security and safety needs, and family and caring responsibilities.  

As specialists in this area, YWCA saw an opportunity to share their expertise with other housing providers to improve outcomes for women and gender diverse Victorians. 

The Women’s Liveability Assessment was developed to support all housing organisations to deliver housing where women and gender diverse people can thrive.  

Libby van der Waal YWCA’s General Manager, Housing Operations, led the development of the Women’s Liveability Assessment.   

She explained that it is an evidence-based online tool that helps housing organisations make small organisational changes to improve the life and housing outcomes of female and gender diverse residents

“The tool looked at research from women led literature as well as women with lived experience of family and domestic violence housing insecurity and homelessness.” 

 The assessment covers four key domains of impact: 

• Safety and security
• Participation and connection
• Agency
• Health and wellbeing.   

It considers factors like housing location, family and carer needs, community connection and support networks, safety and security and access to education and employment.   

The assessment also encourages continuous improvement, helping organisations respond to the evolving needs of women across diverse backgrounds. 

YWCA is a national not-for-profit organisation that has specialised in supporting women for over 140 years.

Nationally, YWCA currently owns and manages more than 549 social and affordable homes, with more tenancies in the pipeline.  

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