UN Women Australia leads the nation’s largest movement to accelerate gender equality and women’s empowerment, delivering programs and policy transformation that improve the lives of women and girls in over 100 countries. Their work paves the way for economic empowerment and financial security, creating opportunities through initiatives like Second Chance Education (SCE).

SCE provides a holistic solution for women who have missed out on education, leveraging strategic partnerships and technology to deliver high-quality learning opportunities. It supports Indigenous, refugee, displaced, and low-income women, offering pathways back into education, vocational training, entrepreneurial skill development, and employment or business opportunities.

AusIMM and UN Women Australia share a commitment to driving positive change for a brighter future, empowering women through education, opportunity, and inclusion.

Penny, a single mother, joined the Second Chance Return to Work initiative to pursue her passion for helping the community. With a tailored support plan, including workshops on life and career planning, resume writing, and interview skills, Penny quickly secured a part-time role with a Sydney based First Nations charity. Penny was also provided with a work wardrobe and transport for her first day.  She is now thriving in her new role and building a better life in Sydney for herself and her child.

The pilot program demonstrates what's possible when women are given a Second Chance, when they are equipped with skills and confidence, they can change the future for themselves, their families, and their communities. Second Chance has changed the lives of over 113,000 women in Australia, Cameroon, Chile, Jordan, India and Mexico. In Australia at the Real Futures Women’s Business Second Chance hub, there is a membership of over 1,100 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Women across Australia seeking assistance to support their social, emotional and wellbeing needs through warm referrals to specialist services, advice and support around housing, health and legal matters and opening up access to training and employment opportunities all provided by a 100% First Nation female team.