UnitingSA has been awarded more than $16,000 in grant funding to launch a Women’s Economic Empowerment project to support vulnerable women living across Adelaide.

The mentoring program will help women overcome barriers to education, employment and community participation and support their journey towards economic independence.

A team of volunteers will be recruited, trained and supported to become empowering role models to women of all ages, in what is a true ‘women helping women’ initiative.

Through a combination of one-on-one meetings, group sessions, training, online resources and collaborative community activities, participants will work towards developing the skills and confidence required to achieve their goals.

The Women’s Economic Empowerment project aims to improve participants’ financial understanding, self-esteem, communication, conflict resolution and negotiation skills, as well as their awareness around rights and responsibilities.

UnitingSA Child, Youth & Family Services Manager Angela De Conno says a key aspect of the program will involve supporting women to have stronger and more diverse community connections.

“Not only will this project allow women to express their social, community and economic aspirations, it will also create safe, women-friendly environments,” Angela says.

“It will increase feelings of safety and belonging by enabling women to develop relationships with other participants, be linked with community support services and increase their knowledge of local resources.”

Angela says the program is particularly relevant in the current climate, owing to a rise in the number of women reporting financial, physical and emotional abuse by their partners.

“Through our community programs we are seeing a high level of need among women experiencing financial hardship and economic disempowerment,” she says.

“The establishment of this program responds to issues of education, training and participation among South Australian women impacted by family relationships, domestic violence and socio-economic factors.”

Grants SA awarded the funding to UnitingSA in February as part of its focus on supporting women’s economic and financial participation.

“We are very happy to have this support from Grants SA and are excited to see what great work will come of the program,” Angela says.

Watch this space for further information about the Women’s Economic Empowerment project, including an official launch date.