{"id":45591,"date":"2021-03-08T09:38:11","date_gmt":"2021-03-07T22:38:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.smooth.com.au\/?p=45591"},"modified":"2021-03-08T09:38:20","modified_gmt":"2021-03-07T22:38:20","slug":"you-can-pledge-an-hour-of-your-pay-to-help-transition-women-into-the-workforce-and-were-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.smooth.com.au\/lifestyle\/you-can-pledge-an-hour-of-your-pay-to-help-transition-women-into-the-workforce-and-were-in\/","title":{"rendered":"You Can Pledge An Hour Of Your Pay To Help Transition Women Into The Workforce And We\u2019re In"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

March 8 is International Women\u2019s Day and this year\u2019s theme is #ChooseToChallenge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what does this theme mean? See the IWD <\/a> explanation below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day.<\/em><\/p>

We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.<\/em><\/p>

From challenge comes change, so let’s all choose to challenge.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

And one not-for-profit organisation who chooses to help women obtain financial independence is Dress for Success (DFS).\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

DFS is appealing to the public to donate an hour of their pay during this year\u2019s Empower Hour, a \u2018pay it forward\u2019 campaign that is aiming to raise $100,000 to transition more than 300 women from welfare to the workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the wake of a particularly challenging 2020, it\u2019s clear the pandemic has disproportionately and severely impacted women from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, says DFSS CEO, Leisa Sadler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was a dire year for so many and sadly, women appear to have borne the brunt of it,\u201d Ms Sadler says. \u201cSpeaking to our clients, we know more than half of those looking for work last year lost their jobs due to COVID-19, with 50 per cent of those surveyed unable to afford food or groceries\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>

\u201cNow more than ever we are seeing women from all walks of life turn to us for advice, support and guidance as they navigate their way through this challenging time in their job search. We aim to instill confidence, build resilience and restore their dignity\u2019<\/em>, she explains.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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