Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business women

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business women are encouraged to apply now to have their leadership skills celebrated in a free NAIDOC Week publication.

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Jackie Trad said that it’s incredibly important that we promote our female Indigenous business leaders.

“In terms of achieving economic and gender equality – we must level the playing field and recognise the contribution that women make to our communities and our economy,” Ms Trad said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business women have achieved so much and this publication not only acknowledges their work – but it displays their talent to the broader business community.”

Minister for Women Di Farmer says five successful Queensland women will have their stories showcased in a national e-book launched during NAIDOC Week 2018 (8-15 July).

"We are delighted to back this project to celebrate the leadership achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Queensland,” she said.

"This year's NAIDOC theme, Because of Her, We Can promotes gender equality across leadership, economic security, safety and health and well-being, which are also priorities of the Queensland Women's Strategy.”

Minister Farmer said she hoped the e-book would inspire other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island women to embrace the business world.

“There is a world of untapped business talent out there and I hope these five role models will inspire other women to take the leap and put their skills to the test,” she said.

Eleven women from across Australia will be featured in the e-book, with five women selected from Queensland.

Torres Strait Islander and Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said: "Anything that recognises the achievements of Indigenous female leaders is to be welcomed.

"I know there are plenty of talented, committed and inspirational women who are doing great work and their achievements should be celebrated," she said.

The e-book is being produced by Femeconomy, a Brisbane based, social enterprise that promotes female leadership and entrepreneurship, in partnership with Ipswich based cultural advisors Ngiyani.

Femeconomy's directors and co-founders, Alanna Bastin-Byrne and Jade Collins said the e-book would bring together the rich cultural heritage and leadership qualities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and showcase it to a national audience.

“We can learn so much from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sisters and Femeconomy has a role in amplifying their voices and leadership to a wider community,” Ms Bastin-Byrne said.

The e-book will be launched during NAIDOC Week 2018 with individual stories published on Femeconomy’s website and social media account each month in the lead up to NAIDOC Week 2019.

"We want Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to be supported and celebrated all year. By showcasing a leader each month, we are building a legacy for this year's important NAIDOC theme," Ms Collins said.

In addition to the e-book, which is receiving almost $25,000 in Queensland Government funding, the five successful Queensland women will also receive a Platinum Membership to Femeconomy and a one-hour mentoring session with cultural advisors. Applications close at midnight on Wednesday 18 April. For more information and to apply visit www.femeconomy.com 

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Media Contact:   For Minister Farmer Adrian Taylor 0448 994 172