By Colin MacGillivray
Women’s Health Grampians is one of 10 organisations across Victoria to share in a $1.3 million State Government program aimed at helping the male-dominated energy and manufacturing sectors attract and retain women.
The organisation received $100,000 through the Women in Energy and Manufacturing program to help women take up trades in the Wimmera.
Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins said inflexible working arrangements, a lack of paid parental leave, gender discrimination, sexism and sexual harassment were among barriers preventing women from entering the energy and manufacturing industries, leading to workforce under-
representation.
Women’s Health Grampians, WHG, chief executive Marianne Hendron said the money would help fund two programs – Act on Site, a workplace culture change program focused on recruitment policies and support for women; and See What You Can Be, which addresses learning, education and apprenticeship pathways for women into male-dominated industries.
Ms Hendron said both programs were evaluated after being implemented by several businesses in the Grampians region in recent years, with participants reporting good outcomes for workplace culture and increased recruitment of women into non-traditional roles.
“We are delighted to continue our vital work with majority male businesses, this time with a focus on the Wimmera region,” she said. “Act on Site is a great development opportunity for manufacturing and energy businesses who are aiming to become an employer of choice for all genders.