Through this program, the NSW Government is working in partnership with community organisations to improve women’s economic opportunity and advancement, health and wellbeing and participation – the three priority areas of the NSW Women’s Strategy.
The innovative projects that received a share of the 2023-2024 funding include:
- Contact – The ‘Empowering Far Western NSW Women: Building a Brighter Future Together’ project will allow women and girls who are isolated in remote or rural NSW, to feel a greater sense of connection through a series of co-designed in-person and virtual workshops, training sessions, community renewal days and practical supports.
- Dress for Success Sydney – With the development of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis driving increased demand for employees, the new Dress for Success (DFS) hub will be a place for local women to attend in person to access DFS services. DFS will support local women and girls with finding new work opportunities and training in softer skills.
- Generation Australia – Women from western and south-western Sydney from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds will be provided a pathway into care work through holistic pre-employment programs. Mentorship and employment support will help participants to upskill, build confidence, and improve career outcomes.
- Girls on Fire – ‘The Fire UP – Girls Fire and Resilience’ project is an experiential learning program for teenage girls in regional and remote areas providing qualifications, confidence, and clear pathways to join the emergency services sector.
- Her Futures Foundation – The ‘Her Futures Wellbeing’ project is designed to reduce the major health concerns among Aboriginal women in Kempsey through a tailored health and wellbeing group program.
- NSW Council for Intellectual Disability – The ‘My Relationships Matter’ project focuses on enhancing the health literacy of women and girls with intellectual disability and empowering them to make informed decisions, leading to changes in health, relationships, and communities.
- Western Sydney University – The ‘WARDA-NSW: Women’s Awareness in Reproductive “Aafiya”’ project is a co-designed, peer-mentored, empowering reproductive health promotion program for Muslim women to generate a community wide conversation on reproductive health.
Commencing in 2024, the Her Futures Foundation’s health and wellbeing project will have a total funding of $550,000 to help tackle major health concerns among women in Kempsey. The foundation will deliver a 12-week group program of facilitated fitness and healthy lifestyle sessions to improve fitness, self-care, guided access to services and social participation for local women.
Since its inception, the successful Investing in Women grant has funded 131 projects to advance the role, status and contribution of women and girls in NSW communities. Between 2013 to 2023, over $3.8 million was invested in programs enhanced women’s economic opportunities, health, and leadership in NSW.
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
“The Investing in Women Funding Program has supported more than 100 organisations since its inception to improve the lives of women and girls, and deliver on the NSW Women’s Strategy 2023-2026.
“This program will enable women to not only take tangible steps towards achieving their personal aspirations but also pave a permanent pathway for future generations of women.
“The NSW Government is pleased to be partnering with these 7 organisations which are best placed to address targeted communities where improvement is needed to uplift and preserve women’s presence and participation in society.”
CEO of Real Futures (partner of Her Futures Foundation) Christianna Cartwright said:
“Our project has the potential to make the entire community stronger as they see Aboriginal Women become confident, healthy leaders in their respective families and communities. These women will become strong role models for their children and set a benchmark for adolescent Aboriginal girls in our community.
“Aboriginal women will be provided an opportunity to work on themselves in all aspects of their lives in a safe, supported environment, and build strength in knowing they are not alone with their day-to-day life and health challenges. Women will have the opportunity to grow stronger, fitter and healthier, learning better eating and exercise habits and being connected to culture.”
Find out more about the projects and the Investing in Women Funding Program
See the NSW Women’s Strategy
