Last year, the City of Parramatta Council was proud to champion the message “Invest in Her.” This theme underscores the importance of financial independence as a key driver for preventing violence against women. We know that by equipping women with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to achieve financial stability, we can prevent violence and promote a safer, more equitable community for everyone.
Invest Her - Together Towards a Brighter Future
In support of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we were proud to illuminate PHIVE, our civic building at Parramatta Square, in orange. This marked our continued commitment to raising awareness and taking action to eliminate gender-based violence.
The Importance of Women's Participation in the Workforce
Women's workforce participation is a crucial indicator of social and economic progress. Globally, Australia ranks 43rd in the 2023 Status of Women Report Card highlighting significant challenges in gender equality, with the nation ranking 43rd internationally, a decline from 15th in 2006.
From a Western Sydney perspective, the top five barriers that impact women’s participation in the workforce include:
- Impact of having children
- Housework and home duties
- Low income or loss of super
- Gender pay gap
- Discrimination and bias.
These challenges show how difficult it can be for women to balance work and family life. The extra responsibilities at home, along with lower pay and workplace bias, often hold women back from advancing in their careers and achieving financial security. To learn more, visit here.
How can you get involved
Support Women in the Workforce
If you are an employer there are many steps you can do to attract, recruit, retain women in the workplace.
‘Employing and Supporting Women in Your Workplace’ - The site offers free self-assessment tools and resources for businesses looking to improve the way they work.
Childcare and Caring Responsibilities are for everyone
- At Home - Share the mental and physical load of caring for household, children and family. Here are some ways to address the mental and physical load of caring: More Information
- At Work - Flexible workplace policies for men and women, improve workplace retention and support everyone to care for families.
Local Women's Support Organisations
We are proud to highlight local organisations that support women in our community. Here are a few key players dedicated to making a difference:
Cumberland Women’s Health Centre
Cumberland Women’s Health Centre is a local Parramatta service for women run by women. The service provides counselling as well as domestic and family violence services for women. The services are free or low cost.
Contact: 9689 3044
Immigrant Women’s SpeakOut
SpeakOut offers information, support, and referral services to culturally and linguistically diverse women who are experiencing domestic and family violence, who are or are on the verge of being homeless.
Contact: 9635 8022
Parramatta Women’s Shelter
Parramatta Women's Shelter supports new beginnings for women and children who need a safe place to stay. They provide crisis accommodation and outreach support to women and children escaping domestic & family violence and homelessness, and specialise in housing larger families.
Tool Kits
Our tool kits are designed to provide practical resources for women in various situations. Learn more about these toolkits below.
Financial Literacy Guides
Commonwealth Bank's financial hub and resources are designed to provide you tools for budgeting, saving and financial planning.
Be part of the conversation
We want to hear from you! How has this website been useful to you? Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to better serve our community. Share your comments and let us know how the Council can best reach out to women’s concerns in our LGA. Feedback will be reviewed annually to help develop programs and projects that address existing issues.