Scholarships launched to support women’s leadership

A NEW scholarship program aimed at helping women to grow their leadership skills was launched last week as part of the region’s International Women’s Day celebrations.

The EmpowerHER leadership scholarships will allow two recipients to attend a five-day leadership program delivered by Leadership Victoria, valued at about $4,000.

The Igniting Leadership program focuses on helping participants examine their strengths and values, understand their impact on others and develop the skills needed to navigate change and build trust.

It will begin on 11 August and run over five weeks.

The scholarships were announced at the City of Greater Geelong’s Women in Community Life celebration last Wednesday, which traditionally includes the presentation of awards recognising women advancing gender equality in the region.

But no new awards were presented this year, marking the first break in the program since it began in 2015.

Instead, the event acknowledged the program’s past recipients and nominees, while the council reviews how women leaders will be recognised in the future.

It is unclear if the awards program will return next year.

Cr Melissa Cadwell, the city’s women in community life portfolio chair, said the council was pleased to fund the scholarships.

“These scholarships reflect our ongoing commitment to progress gender equality and inclusion in our region, a core theme of the Women in Community Life Awards,” she said.

Cr Emma Sinclair said women bring unique strengths to leadership and encouraged local women to put themselves forward for the opportunity.

“We want to open doors for women who are ready to grow and lead,” she said. “This is your tap on the shoulder to put yourself out there and apply.”

Expressions of interest for the leadership scholarships are open until 5pm on 9 April. Head to geelong.link/WICL