Empowering Women at Work

At Youth Projects, we know that taking the first step into a meaningful career can change a young person’s life. This is especially true for women entering the workforce for the first time.

To mark International Women’s Day, we brought our Youth Projects community together to reflect on the barriers women continue to face. We hosted a panel of women leaders who explored the theme 'Balance the Scales' and shared their insights on navigating workplaces and building confidence.

Creating opportunities for women all year round

Throughout the year, Youth Projects delivers training and support that helps young people develop skills and prepare for work. One pathway is the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, a nationally recognised qualification that equips participants with practical experience, clinical skills, and the confidence needed for frontline roles in healthcare. For many young people, it is their first structured step into employment.

This year, the Health Services Assistance group was made up entirely of young women. Graduates spoke about the strong peer support they developed, the confidence they gained, and the sense of empowerment that came from completing the program. Their reflections highlight the progress they have made and the challenges that still exist

One graduate shared that training in a small group of women created a positive and supportive environment where genuine friendships formed. Another explained that while she occasionally felt pressure to prove herself, being a woman did not hold her back, and she now feels ready to step into new opportunities with confidence. Others described the program as a turning point that helped them believe in their abilities and see a clear path toward employment.

The bigger picture

These individual experiences sit within a broader global and national context where gender inequity remains significant. UN Women Australia reports that 3.9 billion women and girls live in countries with at least one law restricting their economic opportunities. The Australian Human Rights Commission identifies a national gender pay gap of around 21.8 per cent, along with evidence that women are more likely to work in low income or insecure roles, particularly those from migrant and refugee backgrounds. One in four board roles in Australian organisations have no women at all. The International Labour Organisation reports that two thirds of young people globally who are not in employment, education or training are women.

These realities highlight why balancing the scales requires more than celebration. It requires action, opportunity and structural change.

From our women in leadership

The panel we hosted this week brought together women at different stages of their careers to reflect on leadership, confidence and workplace change. Melanie Raymond AM encouraged women to step into opportunities with confidence, reminding staff that history is shaped by those who take bold steps. Celeste Norris spoke about the importance of community and drawing inspiration from the women who have paved the way. Nikita Stokker encouraged staff to recognise bias, trust their strengths and speak up as they grow professionally.

Our commitment to young women

At Youth Projects, we are proud to support young women who are stepping into work with confidence, skill and determination. We also recognise that balancing the scales across workplaces, systems and society is essential.

Through training, wraparound support and strong community connections, we remain committed to helping young women build their careers, contribute to their communities and move toward a future where equality is the standard, not the exception.