The Queensland government has announced the nine projects selected for funding under the inaugural round of the $2.8 million Women in Industry Grants program, designed to empower women to enter, succeed, and lead in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
This initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to improving women’s economic security and closing the gender pay gap by facilitating greater participation of women in high-demand industries such as construction, energy, manufacturing, aviation, and agriculture.
The funded projects encompass a range of objectives aimed at enhancing women’s leadership and fostering inclusive workplace cultures.
Among the initiatives is a focus on increasing women’s leadership within engineering and promoting awareness to encourage young women to participate in the energy and renewables sectors.
Additionally, the program will support mentoring and training efforts that aim to boost inclusion in construction, as well as initiatives designed to elevate women’s leadership roles within the energy, resource, and manufacturing industries.
A Champions of Change program in aviation will concentrate on fostering inclusion, equity, and diversity, while another initiative will provide leadership and commercial training specifically for women in agriculture, particularly within the sugar industry.
These grants are structured into two categories: one supporting longer-term projects aimed at reducing barriers and increasing inclusion, and another focused on smaller-scale events that promote connection and awareness among women.
Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman highlighted the significance of these grants by stating that when women thrive, so do their families, communities, and the broader Queensland economy.
She reiterated the government’s dedication to helping women secure jobs in sectors facing workforce shortages.
Fentiman expressed confidence that these grants would unlock the potential of many talented and skilled women across the state.
“The Miles government is steadfast in its commitment to supporting and uplifting Queensland women in every way we can — and that’s exactly what these grants will do,” she concluded.
For further details about the recipients of the grants and additional information regarding the program, please visit www.women.qld.gov.au.
