By Oliver Lees
A pilot program has been launched in Melbourne’s west to help improve rates of employment among mature aged women, who represent the largest group of long term JobSeeker funding recipients.
The ‘Women Working Together’ program will allow women who have been out of the workforce or who wish to train for a particular field to connect with mentors to guide them through the process of professional development.
The program has been co-designed with women aged 50 and over.
COTA Victoria chief executive Tina Hogarth-Clarke said the program will deliver expertise to help bridge the gap between rates of unemployment between men and women.
According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data from 2017, workforce participation among mature aged women (55 to 64-years-old) was just 58.8 per cent, compared with 71.9 among men in the same age bracket.
Women aged 55 and over also represent the demographic with the fastest growing rates of homelessness, according to 2016 Census data.
The number of women experiencing homelessnes lept 31 per cent from 2011 to 2016.
“The mentors will play a vital role in providing the mentees with advice around soft skills, building their confidence and boosting their self-esteem and an understanding of how to tap into existing community resources so they can amplify their passion to move forward into the workforce,” Ms Hogarth-Clarke said.
“We are determined to empower our mentees through the program, joining forces with mentors who have so much to offer in work and life skills. We are hoping that the sisterhood is embraced and valued through this program.”
In 2014, the federal government, along with G20 leaders, committed to reducing the gender gap in regards to workplace participation rates.
Under this arrangement Australia has set a target of decreasing the gap to 9.1 per cent by 2025.
Women Working Together social and economic participation team leader Wennie van Riet said she hopes the program will foster confidence in women discouraged by lack of opportunities in the job market.
Seeing how women can support each other to back each other up when the going gets tough and offer insights and support to get back in the workforce is absolutely gold,” she said.
Details: wvan_riet@cotavic.org.au
