Policy
Leadership
Vic Government initiative aims to support more women of colour in leadership
Freya Lucas
Feb 3, 2023
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A Victorian Government program is designed to support more women of colour to reach their leadership aspirations.
Announced recently by Victorian Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins, the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program is open to culturally diverse women across the state, and 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.Barriers to women’s leadership are not about lack of ability but the systemic issues – including workplace racial discrimination – that limit women’s leadership progression, something the program aims to address.
The program is the first leadership program of its kind in Australia – designed by Women of Colour Australia, with an advisory group of Women of Colour leaders including First Nations leaders from Women’s Business.
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 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.
Under the program, workplaces of the participants will also contribute a one-off $10,000 co-payment to help identify ways they can strengthen diversity in the workplace and be more inclusive.
It will also help women to complete an individual strategic challenge project and improve their board capabilities.
The Victorian Government has committed $1 million to leadership programs for women, with the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program one of four initiatives announced in 2022 to help women gain leadership roles and build-more inclusive workplaces.
“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,” Ms Hutchins said.
Applications to join the program are now open until 28 February 2023. The program will run from May. For more information, please see here.
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