Empowering women across the region

THE Go Girls Foundation empowers women to take control of their lives and redefine their future.

Established 16 years ago by Michelle Jobson and Rita Bottomley, the program aims to help vulnerable women gain confidence, financial security and independence.

The program was introduced to the Bass Coast and South Gippsland area and has helped many women improve their quality of life.

Eleven women will be graduating from the program at an event to be held at Inverloch’s RACV resort on August 4.

The program supports women to find employment, move towards independence from domestic violence, find a new normal after recovering from breast cancer, take on leadership roles in the workplace, grow a business, and overcome their situation if they are dealing with semi homelessness.

It also helps migrant women who may be feeling isolated engage with the community.

The program offers the opportunity to develop job skills and offers support from trained psychologists.

“After Covid, we found a lot of women were feeling isolated and suffering anxieties,” Go Girls executive director Michelle Jobson said.

“The program is all about empowering women. We’ve worked with women who have experienced domestic violence – as there are high rates in Gippsland and regional Victoria – and have helped women who feel incredibly isolated connect with the services they need.”

The program runs for five months, with a meeting held every three weeks at ArtSpace in Wonthaggi.

Workshops, retreats and events are also included in the program to help foster a sense of social inclusion and enable women to take meaningful action to reach their goals.

These opportunities and experiences put an emphasis on personal development, which allows the participants to overcome obstacles.

As the program progresses, women find they are confident enough to take more responsibility over their lives and are more direct and focused on what they want to achieve.

Around 50 per cent of women secure full-time employment and 20 per cent find part time or casual work after taking part in the program.

They often feel a greater sense of control, which can have a ripple effect through their families and their communities.

“Every woman needs a plan, whether it be a plan for their career, lifestyle, finances or just for the day. Some women feel as if they are unable to move, and we help them to make the step,” Michelle said.

“We hold the graduation day to celebrate their achievements in a meaningful way.”

Later this year, the Go Girls Foundation will host a golf day to raise funds to support women at risk.

The golf day will be held on October 15 at the Foster Golf Club.

Booking details will be announced soon.

The Go Girls Foundation always welcome new sponsors.

All donations to the foundation are tax deductible and corporate donations have led to great partnerships with businesses that share similar values.

Sponsorship can change the lives of the women and their families in the program, allowing for new opportunities throughout their journey.