The government of Victoria in Australia has taken a step towards helping more women of colour so that they can fulfil their leadership aspirations.
On Wednesday (8), Natalie Hutchins, the province's minister for education, encouraged its culturally diverse women to apply for the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program, The Australia Today reported.
In a statement, the Labor leader said, “Our record on gender equality leads the nation, and I encourage all culturally diverse women from across the stateto apply for this Women of Colour Executive Leadership program.”
Under the programme, 20 diverse women will receive support and they include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. The programme will help them overcome barriers that women of colour face in advancing their careers -- through workshops, mentoring, and coaching for a period of seven months.
The training will also help them complete an individual strategic challenge project and improve their broad capabilities, The Australia Today report added.
The Victorian government is investing $1 million in leadership programs for women -- with the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program being one of four initiatives announced last year to help women gain leadership roles and build-more inclusive workplaces.
The programme is the first leadership programme of its kind in Australia -- designed by Women of Colour Australia,
“Diverse women are ready to lead, they are capable and ambitious. This programme presents a real opportunity for businesses to do more than just talk about supporting diversity and inclusion, it’s an opportunity to show it," Hutchins added.
Applications to join the programme are open until February 28 and the programme will run in May.
This photograph taken on April 28, 2026 shows a boy getting "thali", a sacred thread tied to his neck symbolising marriage to Hindu warrior god Aravan during the annual Koovagam transgender festival at the Koothandavar temple in Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi district. For a few fleeting days each year, at the heart of the Koothandavar Temple where ostracised transgender community members from across India come to honour the Hindu deity Aravan, a tradition rooted in millennia-old Hindu texts -- and to enjoy a brief oasis of freedom.Getty Images
This photograph taken on April 29, 2026 shows a member of the transgender community mourning as a priest cuts the "thali", a sacred thread symbolising end of her marriage to Hindu warrior god Aravan during the annual Koovagam transgender festival at the Koothandavar temple in Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi district. For a few fleeting days each year, at the heart of the Koothandavar Temple where ostracised transgender community members from across India come to honour the Hindu deity Aravan, a tradition rooted in millennia-old Hindu texts -- and to enjoy a brief oasis of freedom. Getty Images
Many traditions which involved bride's parents to serve the groom and family are generally not followed, as both families are treated equal.iStock
The fluctuating prices of gold have resulted in less and optimum purchase, just for the sake of following the tradition.iStock
Women are choosing reverse Kanyadan, rather than giving away the bride, groom's father are also performing Kanyadan.iStock
Instead of buying jewelry, Indian couples are choosing to rent it, so that the money can be invested somewhere else.iStock
A screenshot of Prada manufactured Kolhapuri Chappal on their website.
A shoemaker in his workshop in Kerala village. Services and hand-making is very cheap in India.iStock
Footwear vendors in the streets of Mahabaleshwar in IndiaiStock