A pioneering program that supports migrant women to navigate the skills and qualifications recognition system will launch in Queensland this week.
The first of its kind in Australia, the Women’s Employment and Skills Pathways (WESP) aims to unlock the full potential of migrant women by supporting individual employment journeys, while also addressing significant workforce shortages across a range of industries and boost Australia’s productivity.
Operating out of Logan, Queensland and offering online support, the program’s initial piloting has already supported over 130 participants from over 40 countries of origin and based in QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, WA, ACT and NT. They include women with qualifications in healthcare, social work, engineering, teaching, law, commerce and hospitality, among others.
WESP is run by national non-profit SSI and funded for three years by the Minderoo Foundation as part of their commitment to gender equality in Australia.
Treasurer Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP will officially launch the program at SSI’s Logan Hub on Wednesday 26 August, with other speakers including SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis AM, Minderoo Foundation’s CEO John Hartman, and program participants.
WESP is aligned with the objectives of the Activate Australia’s Skills campaign, led by SSI and supported by over 130 partner organisations, and is informed by the campaign’s recent report Activate Her Skills: Harnessing the economic potential of migrant women through skills recognition.
The report found that more than 340,000 migrant women are working below their skill and qualification levels, driven in part by Australia’s complex and confusing skills recognition system and a lack of tailored support to help women navigate it.
Violet Roumeliotis AM, SSI CEO
"Australia cannot afford to leave talent on the sidelines. Every day, highly skilled migrant women are working below their qualifications or struggling to navigate complex recognition processes. This program is about unlocking their skills, strengthening their economic participation and helping address workforce shortages in sectors that urgently need talent."
John Hartman, Minderoo Foundation CEO
"Every woman, regardless of her background, should have a fair opportunity to participate in the economy, realise the value of her skills and qualifications, and pursue her career ambitions."
“Too many migrant women face significant barriers to having their skills, qualifications and professional experience recognised here in Australia.
"Minderoo Foundation is proud to support the Women’s Employment and Skills Pathways Program, which is helping remove those barriers and work towards a more equitable Australia where talent, not circumstance, determines opportunity."
Program participants:
Smita is based in Victoria and a qualified lawyer from India. She initially migrated to New Zealand, where she completed the relevant skills recognition and accreditation processes before subsequently moving to Australia and completing the requirements to have her professional qualifications recognised here. Due to life circumstances, Smita was unable to pursue employment in her profession after arriving in Australia. Through WESP, she is now receiving tailored navigation and support to reconnect with her professional pathway and to work towards re-entering the legal profession.
Klaudia is based in Queensland and a qualified biomedical engineer from Poland. She came to Australia through the Graduate Visa program and has since established her life here and proudly became an Australian citizen. She is currently being supported by WESP to navigate the professional recognition and accreditation process with Engineers Australia and to work towards re-establishing her career as a biomedical engineer.
Diana is based in Victoria and a qualified social worker from Uganda. Despite her nine years of prior experience, she has not been able to secure employment in her field since arriving in Australia. Through WESP, she is receiving personalised navigation support to understand the recognition and employment pathways available to her and to work towards achieving her goal of practicing as a social worker.
Available for interview:
- Violet Roumeliotis AM, CEO - SSI
- Gulnara Abbasova, Head of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Prevention and Response – SSI
- Participants from the program
About us:
Settlement Services International (SSI) delivers a range of human services that connect individuals, families, and children from diverse backgrounds with opportunities - including settlement support, disability programs, community engagement initiatives and training and employment pathways. At the heart of everything we do is a drive for equality, empathy, and celebration of every individual.
Contact details:
Jordan Wise | Corporate Affairs Lead
M: 0481 484 761 | [email protected]
