Women's Leadership Initiative

  • Media release

TheWomen's Leadership Initiative, launched today, is a five-year program toempower women and girls in the Pacific.

The$5.4 million program will help participants–selected from Australia Awardsscholars–to fulfil their leadership potential and drive big ideas and reformsin their communities.

Women in the Pacific continueto be under-represented in leadership positions. Greater gender equality,especially in leadership and decision-making, contributes to reducing poverty,promoting economic growth and enhancing the well-being of women, girls andtheir families.

TheWomen's Leadership Initiative will provide participants with the tools tonavigate barriers that might impede pathways to leadership. This will seePacific women mentored by successful female leaders, including AustralianIndigenous leaders, private sector representatives and pioneering leaders fromthe Pacific.

Byforging links between emerging women leaders in the Pacific and Australia, theWomen's Leadership Initiative will deepen our long-standing relationship withour Pacific neighbours.

Theempowerment of women and girls is a priority for Australia's developmentassistance and a key pillar of our increased engagement in the Pacific.

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