Empowered women celebrate graduation from SEED’s Changemakers program

The course is part of the SEED (Sustaining Economic Empowerment and Dignity for Women) project, a co-designed community initiative in Seymour, which aims to advance women’s economic security and financial wellbeing.

Project co-ordinator Samantha Hugill said the program was about empowerment and learning to self-advocate and push for change.

“And this is where we bring like Brotherhood of St Laurence people, the larger organisation, in to help coach them to be able to tell their story safely,” she said.

“The women build confidence and empowerment, make new friends, connections and achieve goals.”

As part of graduation, participants introduced themselves and stood up in front of everyone on the course and read out their ‘significant change’ story.

“They talk about what brought them to SEED and the effects it’s had on them,” Samantha said.

Participants Jo Evans and Lee Weston said they were excited to be graduating from the program.

Lee said the most important thing she had taken from the program was confidence in advocacy.

“For myself personally,” Lee said.

“As part of it I did a few projects, including public speaking and measuring poverty.

“One of the things I say in my speech is that seeing all the different women, from different backgrounds with different stories, we all have a connection.

“We’re very connected through whatever the issues are that brought us here.

“Personally, I’ve seen a huge improvement, and can see each and every person I’ve worked with flourishing.”

Jo said her biggest takeaway from the program was self-confidence.

“I’ve been able to talk to a range of different people from different backgrounds, and I’ve just been able to put myself out there,” she said.