First Nations women becoming workplace assets and community role models

In Australia, First Nations women have substantially lower rates of workforce participation. A program exclusively for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is helping change the circumstances and stereotypes behind this employment gap, which leads to economic and social exclusion.

Women’s Business Second Chance Hub (WB2C) is the program that currently provides practical training for employment for women across New South Wales and in Carnarvon and Geraldton, Western Australia.

Through WB2C participants have greater access to formal education, tailored training in entrepreneurship, 21st century skills and leadership, and opportunities to re-enter the workforce in a culturally safe women’s only space.

In some circumstances, WB2C also assists with social, emotional and well-being support.

A ground-breaking model that works

The stories of Felishia and Mikaylar are proof that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women can become assets in the workplace and role models in the community, when programs are culturally safe designed.

Felishia’s story

Felishia is a single mother who had been out of the workforce for 7-years while she focused on raising her children.

She joined Women’s Business Second Chance Hub and was introduced to the Making Tracks program at an information session. Felishia made the most of that opportunity. She obtained her security license after completing Certificate II in Security Operations and a Certificate II in Business Customer Service.

She's since gone on to work for a major security company and has been promoted recently.

Mikaylar’s story

Mikaylar Bell signed up to the Women’s Business Second Chance Hub program to explore new life paths and discover career opportunities.

She completed the Vision Board and Life & Career Planning workshops, then jumped at the opportunity to get training in security through a WB2C’s partner.

After WB2C obtained funding to deliver the NSW Government Return to Work Pathways program, Mikaylar got additional support and was eager to find a job.

Not long after, she successfully secured a position at the Sydney Regional Aboriginal Corporation.

WB2C work by the numbers

UN Women and BHP Foundation implement the Second Chance Education Programme in six countries including Cameroon, Jordan, India, Mexico, Australia, and Chile.

Through its Education Equity Program, BHP Foundation seeks to improve access to education and quality employment opportunities for marginalized groups, including women. Read more about our program.