Applause and praise to our Women’s Leadership Program Graduates!

Last week we gathered to celebrate the graduates of the Women’s Leadership Program. Building on the success of the Mamma’s Kitchen program in 2020, this project has further developed local women’s leadership, communication and networking skills, giving them the confidence and skills to build their own business and become leaders in their communities.

For the past eight weeks, 19 women have met weekly at Wingate Avenue Community Centre under the guidance of facilitator Debby Maziarz. They have shared their hopes, fears, aspirations, skills and life experiences, danced …., drunk lots of African coffee, formed friendships, and exchanged cultures, broadened their networks and knowledge of the local community and – most importantly – built confidence in themselves as, difference makers and leaders.

Two months ago, I couldn’t stand in front of a crowd like this and speak. After going through the Women’s Leadership Program, here I am speaking in front of you all….The leadership program has helped me and my fellow graduates improve our confidence, our communication skills, build friendships and increase our chances of getting employment. – Muna Hamed, 2022 program graduate

Muna Hamed giving her heartwarming speech

This program has provided an important environment for the women from the Flemington and Ascot Vale Housing Estate to reconnect with like-minded women and reignite their hope and aspirations by working towards achieving their career and life goals.

This is the third time a leadership program has been delivered by Council as a commitment to promoting gender equality and giving women and girls a chance at equal opportunities.