New mentoring program by and for women of colour aims to heal and transform
17 October 2022 at 4:22 pm
Women of colour are invited to express their interest in taking part in a new mentorship program designed to address racist barriers in the workplace.
A new mentorship program designed and delivered by women of colour aims to enhance the skills of women of colour so they can thrive in their careers.
Run by Women of Colour Australia (WoCA) in partnership with Aboriginal Insights, and backed by Bank Australia, the WoCMentorWoC Program is a six-month online mentorship program that will pair 20 women of colour in leadership positions with 20 mentees aspiring to become leaders in the next few years. Hue: Colour the Conversation was engaged to deliver some of the program’s workshops.
See more: Demonstrating how things can be done radically differently
Brenda Gaddi, founder and managing director of WoCA, told Pro Bono News the program was inspired by the results of the organisation’s Women of Colour in the Australian Workplace survey.
The survey found that workplaces still aren’t safe places for women of colour, who are frequently racialised and tokenised in the workplace.
WoCA asked what it could do to respond, and those surveyed suggested a mentoring program by women of colour, for women of colour.
The program, 12 months in the making, is now accepting applications for mentors and mentees.
Gaddi said WoCMentorWoC Program would differ from other mentoring programs in its approach and subject matter.
“We need to talk about things that are not talked about in normal mentoring programs, if you will,” she said.
Sessions will deal with race and racism, as well as colonisation and sovereignty.
The program will feature curated workshops built on understanding and celebrating Aboriginal culture, moving into conversations about the challenges and barriers faced by women of colour in the workplace.
“When we talk about whiteness, we’re not really talking just the skin. We’re talking about the system. For women of colour, how does that show up when we show up at the workplace, navigating white structures and white systems, if you will. So we want to unpack those things,” Gaddi said.
Mental wellbeing will be front and centre to ensure a safe and culturally appropriate environment is maintained throughout the program, Gaddi explained.
Many of the program’s participants have heartbreaking stories about race and racism, and it’s hoped that the program will allow them a space to heal with and nurture each other, exchanging knowledge and courage.
Listening will form a key component of each session as mentors and mentees share their experiences.
“The journey is not finished. We’ve been hurt; it’s still hurting. But how do we then ensure that we channel this anger into something meaningful, into changing the system?” Gaddi said.
“Our purpose really is to build a community of women of colour, inspired and motivated by their peers, and ready to step into themselves [and become] transformational leaders. Yes, it’s aspirational, but the power resides in all of us.”
Applications are now open for both mentors — women of colour in leadership positions — and mentees. Express your interest here. The program will begin in November.
