Paul Ramsay Foundation - Partnership Announcement Media Release

Much needed wrap-around employment support for migrant, refugee and asylum-seeker women will be expanded thanks to a new grant received from the Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF). This important announcement that coincides with International Migrants Day will see the expansion of SisterWorks’ Employment Pathways Program, providing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for migrant and refugee women (Sisters).

Ifrin Fittock, SisterWorks CEO highlights that “The funding is directed towards enhancing the tailored component of the wrap-around support, employment matching and placement. This crucial step is vital in ensuring sustainable and lasting employment. This grant from PRF is key to our organisation as the demand for our services has grown substantially over the last few years and will continue to in-line to projected migration arrivals’’.

PRF’s Head of Employment Josephine Khalil says that access to meaningful employment opportunities is vital for migrant and refugee women to build a life in Australia.

“The support and opportunities SisterWorks provide to its Sisters, enables them to achieve economic dignity and the agency to determine their future.”

Ifrin highlights, “Certain migrant and refugee women have unfortunately slipped through the gaps in the system. SisterWorks is dedicated to ensuring that we are there to support them, providing equal opportunities and a fair chance”.

Who it supports - Athon’s Story

Athon from Sudan is a single mum with six children with a great motivation and attitude for work. She felt challenged in obtaining and keeping jobs in Australia with her level of English and digital skills. After graduating from the Employment Pathways Program with full attendance and engagement, our Employment Support team supported her in connecting to a job with Goddess Cleaning Group, a fantastic employer who values Athon's strengths.

The support extended to the onboarding process, throughout the first few weeks of her shifts, post Employment Support, to ensure that Athon is well placed and equipped to do the job she wants to do. After just a few weeks she increased her hours and is working 4 days a week.

“Sisterworks has been amazing, supporting me through my challenges in securing a good job with a good employer. After I got the job, the Sisterworks team continue(d) to support me. I couldn't have done it without them!” she said.

“With this funding we can continue to support women, like Athon, to achieve their economic dreams and further their settlement journey in Australia” said Ifrin. 

About SisterWorks

Since 2013 SisterWorks have supported over 2,500 women from 105 countries. We offer a range of programs, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities that help women to develop their skills, confidence, and connections. We also provide support with finding employment, starting their own businesses, and navigating the Australian system. We believe that when women are empowered, they can make a positive difference in their own lives and in the lives of their families and communities.

About Paul Ramsay Foundation

The Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF) is one of Australia’s largest charitable foundations.

The late Paul Ramsay AO established the Foundation in 2006 and, after his death in 2014, left most of his estate to continue his philanthropy for generations to come.

At PRF, we believe that people and communities across Australia deserve to thrive. PRF’s vision is to break cycles of disadvantage so that everyone has access to opportunities, regardless of their circumstance or postcode. 

Find out more about how we work at www.paulramsayfoundation.org.au 

For all media enquiries contact: Cassandra Jovic - SisterWorks Marketing and Communications Manager

Email: cassandra@sisterworks.org.au

Mobile: +61405316251