The first round of grants supporting women in male-dominated industries is now open.
Forming part of the Queensland Government’s $2.8 million Women in Industry grants program, the first round will fund programs dedicated to:
- Challenging entrenched gender bias, attitudes, and behaviours
- Improving recruitment, retention, and training
- Increasing respect and safety in the workplace
- Challenging structural barriers preventing women from staying and succeeding in the industry
- Increasing women’s participation and leadership at all levels
$625,000 is available in the first round, under two categories: up to $150,000 for longer term structural change projects designed to reduce barriers and increase inclusion, and up to $20,000 for smaller scale projects or events to support connection and awareness.
Applications are invited from organisations working in or with relevant industries such as peak advisory bodies, and women led networks operating in relevant industries.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles, said, “Through these grants we can work with community and industry partners to continue to unlock economic potential for women and fully utilise the skills of all Queenslanders and create the workforce we need to support our growing economy.”
Queensland Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade Cameron Dick, said, “Investments like these help women and will boost labour supply and productivity in rapidly growing industries.
“We understand the economic potential that is unlocked by supporting more women into the workforce.
“Programs like this empower Queensland women and have been a priority across recent budgets.”
Queensland Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Service and Minister for Women, Shannon Fentiman, said the state government will back women and continue to remove barriers that stand in the way of equality, inclusion and economic participation of women and girls.
“We know that investing in women’s economic participation and security benefits herself, her family, and her wider community,” Minister Fentiman said.
“That’s why I would love to see industries take this important step towards achieving greater gender balance in the workplace.”
Applications will close 5pm, 9 August 2024.
For more information and to apply, visit www.women.qld.gov.au.
Image: kittirat roekburi/shutterstock.com
