Women shape the programme
PWDA drew on women’s experiences in regional and metropolitan Australia to identify barriers to employment and the conditions that help careers develop. Its 2023–24 annual report records consultation with hundreds of women and an expert advisory panel. Their experiences informed employer education and a planned mentoring programme. [1][3]
Westpac joins a pilot
On 8 March 2024, PWDA announced Westpac as a partner in a 12-month workplace pilot. The plan combined training, resources and mentoring, with an ongoing community of practice. PWDA president Marayke Jonkers highlighted the importance of workplaces where women with disabilities could feel safe and exercise leadership. [2]
From consultation to training
The annual report describes a 20-week online learning and mentoring programme, developed for launch in the following financial year. Funding came through the Australian government’s Women’s Leadership and Development Program. The work focused on changes inside workplaces, including employers’ practices and access to professional development. [3][2]