By Prealene Khera
A free online 12-week program is seeking to level the playing field for multicultural women across Melbourne’s west, including Brimbank, by helping participants hone their financial acumen and develop key skills.
The Future Fit initiative, a collaborative undertaking between two social enterprises – The Financially Empowered and The Creative Co-operative – is being funded by Bank Australia to empower multicultural and First Nations women, aged between 18 to 45.
It is designed to provide tailored support for eligible candidates seeking to either advance in the workforce, or explore entrepreneurship opportunities.
According to The Financially Empowered founder Grace Mugabe, the program serves as a “catalyst” for “societal transformation”, especially for local women.
“It will equip women with the tools and confidence needed to excel in the digital age,” she said.
“The program supports participants with practical [knowledge], facilitating them to achieve economic independence, and overcome workplace barriers.”
Topics expected to be covered in the course include budgeting, cash-flow management, financial goals setting, business planning and use of artificial intelligence to boost productivity.
Ms Mugabe said it was essential women from multicultural backgrounds were given an opportunity to increase their financial literacy to obtain economic independence.
“It is often inaccessible due to systemic barriers like unrecognised qualifications, discrimination, lack of culturally relevant resources and limited job opportunities,” she said.
“By addressing this gap, the program will support women in taking charge of their personal or business finances, supporting their families, and confidently pursuing their career or entrepreneurial goals.
“Mainstream programs do not take into account that many multicultural — and migrant — women have the added responsibility of supporting their family or relatives overseas.”
Another challenge, Ms Mugabe said, was the cultural difference in attitude towards money.
“Some cultures view debt as a negative and shameful thing to be avoided at all costs,” she said.
“Culturally inclusive programs like ‘Future Fit’ sensitively address such topics, opening up the possibility of considering ‘good debt’ like a house, which can be a good long-term investment.”
Applications are available at future-fit.super.site/ and will close on January 27, 11 pm – spots are limited.
