Migrant women can face unique challenges that make it harder for them to get jobs in Tasmania than locals or migrant men. A program in Hobart is providing mentoring and training to help these women overcome barriers to employment.
00:00Two years ago, Erej Fatima migrated to Australia on a skilled migrant visa.
00:09But finding employment hasn't been easy.
00:12I was fortunate enough to get a job last year, but it was a casual job.
00:19So still, it is a long way to go.
00:22With a master's degree in science and a background in teaching and administration, she still faced barriers.
00:29Wherever you go, they'll ask for experience.
00:32And I didn't have any experience from Australia.
00:35Obviously, I had to start from the scratch.
00:41The Dream Again mentoring program was set up for women like Erej.
00:45It's a partnership between Beherz Foundation and Taz TAFE.
00:49And it provides accredited training in two career pathways, sewing and retail cosmetics.
00:56It helps reduce barriers between people who maybe don't have as many advantages when it comes to education, gaining practical skills and gaining entry into the workforce.
01:07The program was created in response to reports of labour exploitation in the local migrant and refugee community.
01:14So people being paid $5 an hour to make a sewing product.
01:18They're actually learning what it looks like to live in the Australian community and what should be fair wages.
01:25Women from refugee backgrounds can face unique barriers to employment due to gender-based social expectations and rules in the home countries.
01:33Entering the Australian workforce, they might face challenges like lack of education, childcare responsibilities and language barriers.
01:40The program offers support tailored for women.
01:45It's created something specifically for them, for them to feel safe enough to give things a go, to build their confidence and to really celebrate their own successes.
01:56I really feel confident. I really feel more empowered as a woman. I really feel that I can face the world.
02:03With recent subsidy cuts for some TAS TAFE courses, Behurst Foundation are exploring how the program will be delivered next year.
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