Minister for Women’s Affairs Maxine Morand today reminded non-profit community organisations and local governments to get their applications in for the 2010 Victorian Women’s Leadership Grants before they close on 30 November.
Ms Morand said the $500,000 grants program was part of the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to listen and respond to Victorian women.
“The new women’s leadership grants program was launched by Premier John Brumby at the 2009 Premier’s Women’s Summit in Melbourne last month,” she said.
“Grants between $2000 and $20,000 are available to build women’s leadership skills and increase diversity among Victoria’s female leaders.”
Successful applicants can use the grant funding to:
- increase the capacity of women to participate in decision making;
- increase opportunities for women’s leadership;
- increase diversity among Victoria’s female leaders; and
- promote the achievements of Victorian women in civic and political life.
“These women’s leadership grants clearly demonstrate our Government’s determination to pursue the equal participation of the women of Victoria in all aspects of life in this state, including leadership,” Ms Morand said.
“The Government is leading the way by encouraging women to take up senior leadership positions.
“Since 2001, we have increased the proportion of women on government boards and committees from 31 per cent to 40 per cent.
“However, we want to go further and are now working towards a target of 50 per cent of women as new appointments to Government boards and committees.”
Ms Morand said the Brumby Labor Government had also established the Victorian Women’s Register for women interested in serving on government boards and committees.
“There are nearly 2000 quality female candidates already on the Victorian Women’s Register, and I encourage anyone interested in making a difference to their community, or expanding their skills and networks, to register their interest,” she said.
For more information about the 2010 Women’s Leadership Grants, or for grant application forms, visit www.women.vic.gov.au