The state government has opened its Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program to encourage women of colour to enter leadership positions.
The program will support 20 diverse women – including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women – to upskill and navigate the distinct barriers that women of colour face in advancing their careers through workshops, mentoring and coaching over seven months, as well as help women to complete an individual strategic challenge project and improve their board capabilities.
Women Minister Natalie Hutchins said all culturally diverse women were welcome and encouraged to apply to take part in the program.
“Our record on gender equality leads the nation,” she said.
“Diverse women are ready to lead, they are capable and ambitious.
“This program presents a real opportunity for businesses to do more than just talk about supporting diversity and inclusion, it’s an opportunity to show it.”
Designed by Women of Colour Australia with an advisory group of Women of Colour leaders including First Nations leaders from Women’s Business, workplaces of the participants would also contribute a one-off $10,000 co-payment to help identify ways they can strengthen diversity in the workplace and be more inclusive.
In June 2021, Women of Colour Australia released the findings of its ‘Women of Colour in the Australian Workplace’ survey, which looked at what was needed a to improve women’s experiences in workplaces and boardrooms.
The survey respondents included 543 women, of which seven per cent identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and named having access to executive leadership programs as a key priority to advancing their career.
Applications to join the program close on Tuesday, February 28, with the program starting in May.
