Building workforce gender equality

A NEW project to increase and retain women working in male dominated industries is set to be developed by Women’s Health Grampians following their successful application for Federal funding.

Around $680,000 will be put towards the See What You Can Be project over three years and WHG CEO Marianne Hendron said the money comes at a crucial time as the nation’s economy recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

“We know that women were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is important that women have opportunities to be included in those industries which will lead our economic recovery,” she said.

“We are looking forward to working with our partners and rolling out the exciting new See What You Can Be project throughout the region.”

The project will include the development of an intensive workplace program specifically for construction and manufacturing organisations and a program to enhance pathways for women and girls into male dominated industries.

It will also seek to support and train women already working in such fields to become mentors and advocates on gender equality within their workplaces.

The project is to be supported by an industry reference group made up of representatives from JK Personnel, Ballarat Group Training, Ballarat Trades Hall, Federation University, and Australian Industry Group.

The money was awarded under the Australian Government’s Women’s Leadership and Development Program, and Minister for Women senator Marise Payne said all projects successful in receiving the funding will help women across the country.

“These projects are estimated to benefit around 40,000 Australian women nation-wide, including women from diverse backgrounds and those at high risk of long-term unemployment,” she said.