The Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins has announced that applications for the Elevating Connections, Healing Ourselves (ECHO) program are now open.
ECHO is designed by and for First Nations women and provides culturally safe training to build on women’s strengths and support their leadership aspirations. First Nations women are significantly under-represented in senior leadership roles. They face systemic and structural barriers to leadership and recognition, including race-based discrimination and the ongoing effects of colonisation. The program enables women to identify these barriers and use their skills and connections to address them.
Ms Hutchins said ECHO is just one of the initiatives designed to address barriers to women’s advancement and increase opportunities for rural and diverse women.
“First Nations women already hold critical roles in their families, communities, and organisations, so they should also be represented in leadership roles and other positions of influence, right across our state,” she said.
“ECHO helps First Nations women advance in leadership positions, create networks, and gain experiences they may need to progress their careers, navigate employment pathways, and build skills and financial security.”
The program will have 14 participants, with leadership provided from Yorta Yorta consultant Karen Milward and Melbourne University’s Chair of Indigenous Health and Director of the Onemda VicHealth Koori health unit Dr Kerry Arabena.
Applications for the ECHO Program close on Monday, July 22. For more information, visit www.vic.gov.au/victorian-first-nations-womens-leadership-program.
