Women's empowerment
Breaking barriers, building futures
Returning to work can be challenging for women balancing family commitments, personal responsibilities, and career aspirations. At The MaraWay, we provide wrap-around support to help women overcome these barriers, gain confidence, and create meaningful economic opportunities for themselves and their families.
Yes girl, you can
Proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, the Skill-Up Program is designed for women aged 25+ returning to the workforce. It provides (at no cost to the participants):
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Practical training and nationally recognised qualifications
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Mentoring and guidance to support career planning
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Flexible learning to accommodate family and personal commitments
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Wrap-around support, including assistance with workplace placement
The program equips women with skills, confidence, and a supportive network, helping them transition successfully back into the workforce.
Skill-Up Program
Seriana Lui
Turning passion into a profession
Seriana, a proud Torres Strait Islander and mother of three, has a lifelong passion for education. After years working in retail, media, administration, and as a Teacher Aide, she enrolled in the Skill-Up Program to focus on early childhood education.
“Being able to do what you love, to turn your passion into a profession, is extremely important for your wellbeing… I see myself working with younger children until I slow down into retirement. It’s more than a job – it’s a calling.”
Seriana completed her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care provided in cooperation with MiHaven Training, and has accepted a position at a local childcare centre in Cairns. She is committed to being a role model and sharing her culture, values, and knowledge with her community.
Mary Jade Taguchi
Mum on new career path
Mary Jade migrated from the Philippines in 2022 and became a permanent resident in 2023. She had always wanted to work with children but felt overwhelmed and unsure where to start.
Discovering The MaraWay’s Skill-Up Program changed everything. “From the first day, I felt welcomed. They saw potential in me that I hadn’t seen in myself… The support was amazing. They helped me believe I could start again, even in a new country.”
Through the program, Mary gained her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care* at no cost, received mentoring, and completed job placement training. She now works part-time as an early childhood educator and plans to expand her studies and career once her daughter starts school.
Liberath Uwamahoro
Making a life in Australia
Liberath arrived in Cairns in May 2024 through the UN refugee resettlement program. Determined to build a new life, she joined The MaraWay to study and gain the skills needed for employment. Fluent in four languages, she embraced learning and completed 160 hours of workplace training, even volunteering at a local childcare centre.
A key turning point was The MaraWay’s Job Readiness Workshop, which taught resume writing and interview skills. Liberath credits the program for boosting her confidence and helping her prepare for the workforce. Soon after, she applied for a position at the Pacific International Hotel Cairns and was hired within days.
She is now thriving in her new role, and her journey is a powerful example of resilience and opportunity.
Real stories of impact
With gratitude
We acknowledge the generous support of our partners and funders, including local organisations and government partners. By empowering women, we strengthen families and communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Frequency
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Amount
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$1,000
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