Young women-on-the-move lunch with Minister

Three bright young female movers and shakers met with Minister for Women, Margaret Keech at yesterday's Community Cabinet meeting at the University of Queensland.

The women, students of the University of Queensland, are undertaking study in a range of areas including science, economics, political science and law.

Mrs Keech said it was an inspiring meeting.

“These ladies had so many great ideas and life goals,” she said.

“It was fantastic to see that these young women believe there are no limits to what they choose to achieve in their lives.

“Young women these days are defying old occupational stereotypes, breaking through the glass ceiling, taking control of their finances and leading the community.

“The Bligh Government’s Office for Women supports women and girls, encouraging them to explore the many possibilities open to them and providing them with opportunities to enrich their lives.”

Office for Women initiatives include:

• The Women in Hard Hats strategy, a $1.6 million initiative promoting greater workforce participation and economic security for women in “hard-hat” careers. Components include career showcasing events and a web-based resource centre.
• The Smart Women – Smart State Awards, recognising women and girls with outstanding achievements in science, engineering and information and communication technology.
• Women Engineering Queensland workshops, bringing together first-year female engineering students from across Queensland to network with industry representatives and hear from female engineers.
• Women on Boards, actively recruiting women and building their skills so they are board-ready.
• The Smart Women seminars, including the recent Workplace Negotiation Skills seminars, designed to help teach women skills to take control of their finances and working conditions.
• The upcoming Women’s Community Leadership seminars, bringing together Indigenous women to develop their leadership skills.

For more information visit the Office for Women website at www.women.qld.gov.au or call 1800 177 577.

Media enquiries: Jo Crompton 3223 7081 or Olivia Nemeth (OFW) 3224 2295.