Muslim Women’s Support Centre WA will deliver the Creating Strong Women Leaders Program. This Program aims to enhance the self-awareness, confidence and leadership capabilities of 40 women and girls from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds so they can confidently take up employment and leadership roles in workplaces and the community.
Requested Amount: $45,000 from a total project cost of $55,000
100 Women funds have been requested to cover the facilitator’s time to design, deliver and embed the program with volunteers, along with expenses related to promotion, venue hire, refreshments and training materials.
Who is the organisation and what is their mission?
The Muslim Women’s Support Centre (MWSC) is run by volunteers and has been operating in Western Australia since 1987. They provide inclusive, holistic and culturally sensitive services for Muslim women and their families. They advance and represent the interests of Muslim Women, to foster unity and equity amongst all people while empowering and elevating women to reach their fullest potential.
What is the project that the 100 Women grant will support?
The 8-week Creating Strong Women Leaders (CSWL) Program will support two groups of 20 young Muslim women, 16-35 years who are migrants, refugees or asylum seekers living in Perth. The Program is intended to enhance the self-awareness, confidence and leadership capabilities of women from CaLD backgrounds. With the support of a trained facilitator, strong networks and a community volunteer organisation, participants will have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills for roles in the workplace and community.
The Program will run over 12 months at the Muslim Women’s Centre and include skill-building workshops, forums with guest speakers, panel discussions and networking, along with structured mentoring and support. There is sustainability in the Program design with inbuilt training sessions for MWSC volunteers (by the facilitator) so that the Program can be ongoing with minimal funding required.
Participants’ abilities, networks, and experiences over the eight weeks will be enhanced with a series of six leadership challenges. These challenges are a mix of workshop activities and personal assignments, such as completing a self-awareness journal to deepen reflection, creating or updating a LinkedIn resume for networking and job applications, and presenting a speech to build storytelling skills. Participants will also attend networking events to connect with diverse groups, commit to volunteering activities that develop their skills and community impact, and work with mentors in fields of interest.
Who is the project for? Who else will benefit?
This inaugural Program will be offered to 40 young Muslim women aged 16-35 years and in enhancing their employment prospects their families will also indirectly benefit. Over recent years, many young women have approached the centre as they seek somewhere that is supportive and culturally safe to help them navigate employment challenges.
Why is the project needed?
Women visiting MWSC often experience challenges related to confidence, education and financial stability while seeking pathways to meaningful employment.
Workforce participation for women from CaLD backgrounds is just 47.3% (ABS 2017), with barriers such as stereotyping, unconscious bias, and difficulties navigating job applications and interviews. Many face obstacles in finding work that aligns with their skills and qualifications and have experienced the compounded effects of racism, sexism, bullying and discrimination.
Additionally, they often navigate complex cultural expectations and pressures from family, community, and the workplace, sometimes feeling compelled to change aspects of their identity, such as their name, to secure employment.
MWSC actively engages with its committee, volunteers, service providers and clients to ensure the needs of young women are met. These women have direct input into the design of services offered at the centre. Muslim women, in particular, express a strong sense of trust and feeling welcomed and safe within the centre. Many women choose MWSC because they feel heard and understood, in contrast to other general services where they may feel out of place or unsupported. They frequently seek guidance and support from other women who have faced similar challenges in navigating identity in a multicultural society. By having an inclusive and culturally sensitive leadership program these women will be empowered to take up opportunities in workplaces and the community.
What are the planned outcomes for the project?
The Program’s aim is to enhance participants’ skills, leading to employment, volunteering, or active community involvement. Aspects that will be measured are:
- Improved Confidence: Participants will develop leadership skills and increased self-confidence, enabling them to pursue opportunities in the workforce, volunteering, and community involvement.
- Increased Knowledge: The Program will equip participants with skills in conflict resolution, effective communication, public speaking, and personal branding, alongside financial literacy.
- Stronger Networks: Participants will create lasting connections with mentors, peers, and community leaders, fostering a supportive network for their future endeavours.
- Enhanced Participation: The project aims to empower women to take on active roles in their communities and workplaces, stepping into leadership, employment and volunteering opportunities.
Participants will be encouraged to provide feedback on these outcomes through surveys, discussions, and individual input, with the findings shared widely through social media, local service providers and cultural groups.
