Lise Moody
Australia Donna, the first web site of its kind of women of Italian origin in the world, was established in August 99 by a group of women of the Italo-Australian community.
The idea to create the web site originated from the need to document the different realities of women of Italian origin in Australia and around the world and to build upon and strengthen their networks.
Such issues were powerfully highlighted at a Conference held in Rome in 1997, that gathered Women of Italian origins from different countries to address issues of participation of first and new generation women in all social spheres of life of their countries of residence.
The purpose of the site is to create an open space in which women of Italian origin can exchange information, experiences and knowledge. The site aims to provide a forum for the development of new skills and to bridge the cultural gap between women of the new and first generations in the Italo-Australian community.
The aims of the site are expressed through different sections. The section of the site entitled "Women and society" profiles women of Italian origin who with their different interests, experiences, knowledge and involvement within the Italo-Australian society can be of inspiration to other women.
The aspect of networking is expressed through a space dedicated to the exchange of information, news, events, articles and debates on themes relevant to women and a section devoted to Internet links with Australian, Italian and International sites of interest to women.
Future developments of the web site to further enhance the networking and social participation of Italo-Australian women will be outlined.
Lise Moody is employed as the Health Information and Promotion Officer at Women's Health Statewide, North Adelaide, SA. She has a background in Community Development and has worked mainly in youth and women's health which is complemented by her personal interest in emerging technologies. She is responsible for the WHS web site as well as supporting other agencies to establish a net presence. She is a Danish/Australian with an interest in supporting people who speak a language other than English to find useful health information on the Internet. Lise is presenting the paper on behalf of Dr Daniela Costa