Applications are now open for the HORIZON Program, an initiative organisers describe as "dedicated to fostering self-determination and increasing workforce participation among regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander female leaders across Australia".
The HORIZON Program, delivered by Atomic Sky, First Nations X, and Project Play Up, will provide participants with "culturally safe leadership development training" through a combination of in-person workshops, coaching and mentoring, plus online seminars.
Jaynaya Winmar, proud Noongar/Ballardong woman and Director of First Nations X will be co-facilitating the in-person workshops being held in the Pilbara alongside Leadership Coach, Kylah Morrison who has supported over 300 female leaders, predominantly living in the regions.
Ms Winmar, who recently returned from a Gathering of Nations at the University of Washington in Seattle as a Fulbright Scholar, said "First Nations women encounter increased cultural and family responsibilities on top of the unique challenges faced by women living in the regions in ascending to leadership roles, including: isolation, limited childcare options, limited access to professional development, limited network building and fewer opportunities".
A 2017 Human Rights report on gender equality underscores the prevalence of sexism and discrimination in regional areas, coupled with restricted access to higher education and heightened instances of economic insecurity and domestic violence for women.
PwC's estimate of the economic contribution of Indigenous businesses (real 2016 terms) was approximately $2.2 to $6.6 billion to Australia's GDP equating to 0.1 per cent to 0.4 per cent of total GDP, and the magnitude of this contribution is expected to grow.
"We know that Indigenous businesses are 100 times more likely to employ other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, compared with a non-Indigenous business," said Ms Winmar.
Ms Morrison and Ms Winmar said they are looking forward to bringing culturally safe professional development opportunities to women living and working in the regions, that will benefit local economies and communities.
The formal program, which runs from October to December 2024, is being piloted in the Pilbara and includes the option for participants to attend a two-day masterclass in South Hedland or Newman. Each cohort is limited in size to ensure impactful, two-way learning between experts and participants.
Led by Indigenous leaders and expert coaches, the program covers critical areas such as leadership development, communication skills, personal branding, entrepreneurial thinking, innovation, and securing funding for new ideas.
In December, the program culminates with a First Nations Women's Gathering in Perth, fostering invaluable networking for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander female leaders from across the state with First Nations women internationally.
The program is supported by the West Australian Government, Local Buying Foundation, Pilbara Minerals, WA Trading Tracks, Empowering People in Communities, Blak Line Industries, and Blakbone Sistahood.
The HORIZON Program invites applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, as well as women working within organisations empowering Indigenous communities. Corporate applications are also welcomed, with pricing provided upon application. Valued at $8,500 per participant, this program is offered free of charge to selected applicants who meet the eligibility criteria.
Applications close Friday 20 September.
