Grants open to support women as Queensland Women’s Week set to make some noise

The latest round of the Investing in Queensland Women grant program is now open, with grants of up to $15,000 on offer for local organisations to deliver initiatives to empower and support women and girls.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Women and Violence Prevention Shannon Fentiman encouraged Queensland organisations to apply for the grants to address the diverse issues faced by women and girls.

“We know gender inequality persists in our communities and women are vastly overrepresented as victims of domestic and family violence,” Minister Fentiman said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting organisations that do incredible work to end violence against women, empower women and girls, and work towards gender equality in Queensland.

“There is $270,000 on offer under the latest round of Investing in Queensland Women grants, and I would encourage Queensland not-for-profit groups, large and small, to apply for the grants.”

Round one and two of the Investing in Queensland Women program in 2021 was a resounding success, with over 340 applications received from organisations across the state, showing just how important addressing these issues are for our communities.

Past recipients delivered projects to address a range of issues faced by Queensland women such as domestic and family violence, sexual violence prevention, respectful and healthy relationships, mentoring and leadership opportunities, career pathways into construction and women’s health.

“We are especially seeking applications that help prevent and respond to the issues of domestic and family violence, and sexual assault given the impact of violence on women’s equality,” she said.

“Targeted campaigns, events, resources and training workshops – every initiative helps as we work to raise awareness and increase safety for the women in our State.”

Last year Multicultural Association of Caboolture and Surrounds Inc (MACS) received $5,000 to run information sharing sessions for culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD). One of these sessions will be held during Queensland Women’s Week 2022 and will focus on domestic and family violence and the complex barriers CALD women face.

“Every year Queensland host’s Queensland Women’s Week in March and I’m pleased to announce that this year’s theme will be ‘Keep Making Noise’,” she said.

“This theme acknowledges that women have raised their voices to demand equality and respect and that conversation is not over. We will keep investing and reforming in response to women’s voices and continue to strive for gender equality in Queensland.”

Held annually, Queensland Women’s Week is coordinated by the Office for Women and Violence Prevention to support Queensland communities to promote awareness of the accomplishments of and issues faced by women, as well as to protect their rights and advance gender equality.

Submissions for round three of the Investing in Queensland Women program close on 28 February 2022.

Full details on the Investing in Queensland Women program, including how to apply, are available at www.qld.gov.au/grants-for-women

Queensland Women’s Week 2022 will run from March 5-13, for further information visit: www.justice.qld.gov.au/ofwvp-events

ENDS

Media Contact:          Inga Williams              0439 949 719