The Victorian Government has announced $227,000 in funding for not-for-profit organisation Fitted for Work, to help transgender job seekers overcome barriers to employment.

Fitted for Work is a not-for-profit organisation which has assisted more than 35,000 women in securing and maintain employment over 14 years.

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The organisation will put the new funding towards its pilot Transgender Women Program, headed by their Transgender Liaison Officer Michelle Sheppard, to provide 200 transwomen and gender diverse jobseekers with tailored support to gain employment or transition while at work, improving their economic security.

Transgender people face numerous barriers to participation in employment including discrimination and difficulties gaining recognition for prior employment or qualifications due to name or gender changes.

The program will provide services such as mentoring, outfitting services, work readiness workshops, resume support and networking, and it will also connect participants to health, legal and financial support.

Victoria’s Equality Minister Martin Foley said in a statement the money had been allocated through the Jobs Victoria Innovation Fund (JVIF), which provides funding to support new approaches to employment support and the delivery of services for disadvantaged job seekers.

“It takes courage to live openly and authentically and Fitted for Work’s pilot Transgender Women Program is another step to a better, more inclusive Victoria,” he said.

“This funding will help overcome barriers to employment for transgender women and gender diverse jobseekers and assist them to find good, stable employment.”

This Sunday (March 31) is recognised around the world as the Transgender Day of Visibility, to celebrate the lives and achievements of the trans community and raise awareness of the work still needed to end the discrimination still faced by trans people.



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