As part of the NSW Government’s Return to Work Pathways Program, $250,000 has been provided to Angus Knight Foundation to help First Nations women and girls gain employment.
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison congratulated Angus Knight Foundation (AKG Foundation) for its Women’s Business Return to Work project, which supports the NSW Government’s commitment to enhance women’s economic opportunity and advancement.
“Increasing women’s workforce participation is a cornerstone to achieving gender equality and economic security,” Minister Harrison said.
“Women face common and persistent employment barriers, and for some communities, there are additional complexities unique to their needs, life stages and circumstances.
“I am thrilled to support this project which will help Aboriginal women and girls to re-engage with the workforce and aspire to leadership in a culturally safe place.”
The AKG Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established to advance Indigenous Peoples, including through employment and community development programs, education, and training. The Foundation supports specialised services for First Nations Women.
The Women’s Business Hubs create meaningful and lasting opportunities through providing a culturally safe space where women can come and dream, imagine and become. Each of the Women’s Hubs provide valuable access to employment pathways, quality learning, entrepreneurship, and educational and vocational training workshops.
Christianna Cartwright, Real Futures CEO & Chair of the AKG Foundation said “We are thrilled to be delivering the NSW Government’s Return to Work Pathways Program. We know First Nations women face adversity, but as the 2020 Wiyi Yani U Thangani Report found, ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls have remarkable skills, knowledge and boundless potential’ and are capable, resilient and courageous in the face of adversity if given the right support. We have made it our purpose to offer this social, emotional and practical support to advance the economic participation and empowerment of women and girls.”
AKG Foundation operates across Blacktown City Council, Coffs Harbour City Council, Kempsey Shire Council, Newcastle City Council and Penrith City Council areas, which will see the impact of the Government’s funding reach many First Nations women across the State.
There were 13 successful projects of the $2.7m Return to Work Pathways Program, which will support more than 1,000 women over the next 2 years to become job-ready and to gain sustainable employment and carve out meaningful careers.
For more information, visit the Return to Work Pathways Program grant page.