Empowering Women In The Workforce Across Queensland

Women across Queensland are being supported to return to work, build new skills, and strengthen their economic security through a range of targeted programs and grants. From direct financial assistance to community-led initiatives, these efforts are helping to remove barriers and create meaningful pathways into employment.

A key initiative is the Women’s Career Grants program, which provides eligible women with up to $5,000 to assist with the costs of re-entering the workforce. The funding can be used for essential expenses such as workwear, childcare, training, recertification, transport, tools, technology, or relocation for new employment opportunities.

The program has already made a significant impact, with more than 1,000 women supported in its first round. Notably, 93 per cent of recipients accessed funding across multiple categories, highlighting the complex and varied challenges many women face when returning to work. Technology, recertification, and training were among the most commonly requested supports.

Minister for Women and Queensland’s first Minister for Women’s Economic Security Fiona Simpson said the initiative is helping to break down barriers for women across the state.

“Our Women’s Career Grants are breaking down barriers and providing cost-of-living relief to help women with the essentials to get back into work,” Minister Simpson said.

“The first round supported more than 1,000 women across Queensland and we’re already hearing some of their success stories. We’ll be aiming to empower the same number of women again – if not more – through Round 2.”

The program is delivered in partnership with Future Women, an organisation focused on advancing women’s economic participation. Founder and Managing Director Helen McCabe said the grants address a clear and growing need.

“The Women's Career Grants program addresses a clear need for women looking to return to paid work – whether that's covering laptops, technology, childcare or transport,” Ms McCabe said.

For many participants, the support has been life-changing. Gold Coast mother-of-four Lin Yang used the grant to purchase a laptop, workwear, and obtain a real estate licence, helping her transition into a new career.

“When I began my job search, I was navigating uncertainty while trying to create long-term stability for my family,” Ms Yang said.

“With that stability, I was able to prepare properly, refine my approach and present myself with confidence in interviews.

“I have now secured a position in a real estate agency, which provides a pathway for my professional growth.”

Complementing this program is the expanded Jobs Academy, which supports women over the age of 40 to return to work or further their education. With additional funding secured, the program will assist hundreds more women in gaining new skills and rebuilding their careers in the coming years.

Beyond individual support, community organisations are also playing a vital role in empowering women. The Empowering Queensland Women grants program provides funding to grassroots groups delivering initiatives focused on financial literacy, leadership development, and employment pathways. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to help organisations deliver training programs, host events, and create networking opportunities for women and girls.

In its first round, the program supported 29 organisations with a total of $279,000 in funding. These initiatives ranged from helping older women navigate housing challenges to delivering leadership programs and financial education workshops.

Minister Simpson said investing in community-led programs is essential to long-term change.

“We recognise that directly supporting financial literacy, leadership, and economic security programs helps in breaking down barriers and creating more opportunities for women and girls to succeed and thrive,” she said.

Among the funded organisations is Broken to Brilliant, which supports survivors of domestic and family violence. The group is expanding its “Financial Superwomen” workshops across North Queensland, providing practical tools to help women rebuild independence and stability.

Director Karen Lindsay said the program is designed to create lasting change for participants.

“These programs help reform responses to abuse, rebuild financial independence and stability, improve legal literacy, and give survivors back their voice,” Ms Lindsay said.

“We know there are higher risks and different risks for regional and rural women experiencing domestic and family violence, so we can’t wait to introduce this proven formula of the Financial Superwomen Workshop to the North Queensland centres.”

Together, these initiatives highlight a strong, coordinated approach to empowering women in the workforce. By addressing financial barriers, supporting skills development, and investing in community programs, Queensland continues to create opportunities for women to achieve greater independence, confidence, and long-term career success.

The Women’s Career Grants Round 2 applications can be lodged now at womenscareergrants.com.au and apply for support through the Jobs Academy at www.women.qld.gov.au/eqw

Grants and other support are available right now for Women seeking help in employment and upskilling. Photo sourced: womenscareergrants.com.au

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