The Victorian Government has launched a new $1.32 million funding program, boosting women’s participation and equity in the manufacturing industry.
The Women in Energy and Women in Manufacturing funding program will support initiatives that focus on clear and attractive career pathways, access to education and training, economic equity and leadership opportunities, and accountability for workplace culture, diversity and wellbeing.
With a total pool of $1.32 million, applications are open from 22 January and close on 20 February.
These grants aim to boost women’s participation and equity across the manufacturing industry, particularly in majority-men trade-based and leadership roles.
Businesses, not-for-profit groups can apply. Applications are strongly encouraged for programs that focus on:
- Supporting women who face disadvantage or discrimination, such as First Nations women, older women, multicultural women, women with a disability and LGBTIQA+ women.
- The retention and advancement of women in energy and manufacturing sectors, and addressing more long-term and structural barriers to their participation.
- Supporting small and medium sized enterprises to advance gender equality.
- Women and businesses in regional and rural areas.
- Supporting women’s participation in majority-men roles, such as trade-based and leadership positions.
The grant program is part of the Victorian Government’s continuing work towards gender equality in Victoria, under the strategy Our equal state.
All applications go through the following assessment process:
- Eligibility assessment: All applications undergo an initial assessment against the eligibility criteria. The eligibility assessment determines whether the application should proceed for merit assessment.
- Merit- assessment: Eligible applications are then assessed against the assessment criteria.
- Assessment panel: All applications are reviewed by a panel.
- Ministerial approval: The Minister for Women makes the final decision based on the recommendations from the assessment panel.
- Application outcome: All applicants are notified of the outcome of their application by email.
Register to log in to the Grants Gateway to complete an application.
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