Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) has pledged $100,000 to support the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in leadership.

In celebration of the 2018 NAIDOC Week theme, Because of her, we can!, WLA is offering 64 full attendance grants totaling more than $100,000 to current and aspiring female leaders to attend the 2018 Women’s Leadership Symposiums.

The grants aim to ensure the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are represented at the events. They also aim to help support the development of strong and effective leadership across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

In consultation with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Indigenous Advisory Council, the grants will be awarded to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who play active roles at community, local and state levels, and who would otherwise be unable to attend the symposiums due to lack of funding or employer support.

The Australian Women’s Leadership Symposiums are an annual series of events held in every state and territory capital. Running for over ten years, the Symposiums have featured a line up of inspirational guest speakers who have explored a variety of topics including gender equality, leadership, career advancement and life fulfilment.

In launching the grant initiative, WLA Program Director Suzi Finkelstein said, “WLA is excited to be part of this initiative and to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women on their leadership and career journeys.

“We are committed to providing leadership development opportunities for all female leaders. Creating pathways and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is key in creating inclusive and diverse workplaces.”

Confirmed headliners for the 2018 Australian Women’s Leadership Symposiums include Annabel Crabb, Tracey Spicer, Jamila Rizvi, Sadhana Smile and Ita Buttrose, among a host of others.

Readers also enjoyed this story about the World Science Festival.