NSW moves to empower more women in the workforce

A new funding programme aimed at empowering women and reducing barriers to entering or re-entering the workforce has been launched by Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) state. Under the A$2 million (US$1.35 million) Return to Work Pathways programme, organisations will be allowed to apply for tailored programmes to support women experiencing barriers to employment.

Bronnie Taylor, NSW’s Minister for Women, explained that the programme is built on the successful Return to Work programme, which has already supported over 3,700 women to enter or return to the workforce. The new programme will fund organisations to deliver wraparound support to women and connect them with necessary services, training, and employment opportunities, with the aim of building confidence and financial independence for those women who need it most, she explained.

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NSW Treasurer Matt Kean added that the NSW government is committed to ensuring that women who want to work receive the necessary support to enter the workforce. The Return to Work Pathways programme is part of the government’s A$16.5 billion (US$11.15 billion) investment over 10 years to level the playing field for women.

The programme is also aligned with the NSW Women’s Strategy 2023-2026, which aims to foster economic opportunity and advancement, health and wellbeing, and participation and empowerment for women and girls.