Australian Government funding for women’s group projects

A range of women’s organisations will share in nearly $520,000 in grants for policy and capacity building projects under the 2003-04 Women’s Development Programme the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women, Senator Kay Patterson, announced today.

Nine policy projects, which will contribute to the quality of life and social standing of women throughout Australia, will receive a total of more than $400,000. These will include gender based medical education, the history of Indigenous nursing, resources for women’s safety after separation and women’s history month 2004.

“The successful projects were chosen from a strong field of applications and cover issues ranging from women’s health, to encouraging women to get involved in non-traditional areas,” Senator Patterson said.

“Work and research undertaken in these projects will help develop services and strategies on current and emerging issues of importance to women.”

Five women’s organisations will also be offered funding totalling nearly $115,000 for one-off capacity building projects to increase their effectiveness as an organisation and to strengthen their capacity to contribute to the development of public policy.

The projects include mentoring women in the motor sport and automotive industry and strengthening Indigenous women’s leadership skills.

Capacity building funding is a key component of the Government’s strategy to build a strong women’s sector. It enhances the ability of women’s organisations to improve the status of women.

“The funding of these projects reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to expanding and enhancing the role of women and women’s organisations,” Senator Patterson said.

This funding represents just one component of the Australian Government’s four-year, $5.6 million Women’s Development Programme announced in the 2001-02 Budget.