Women's & Girls' Emergency Centre (WAGEC)

As we navigate an increasingly uncertain world, there is one thing we know for sure – WAGEC will continue standing with survivors.  For 47 years, we’ve been living and breathing our commitment to ending gender-based violence. Every day, we provide vital support to women and children escaping domestic violence. Our caseworkers are on the frontlines, standing beside women and children as they navigate broken systems and structural disadvantage. Our prevention team are working tirelessly to shift attitudes so we can stop violence before it starts. We were doing that work yesterday, we’re doing it today, and we’ll do it tomorrow.     We recognise that today's news weighs heavily on many of us - especially survivors of gender-based violence and First Nations women.     No matter what is happening in the world, know that WAGEC will always be here to listen, support and believe survivors.  

We're hiring! WAGEC is looking for a Donor Experience Manager to join our Fundraising and Communities team. The Donor Experience Manager will lead the development and execution of a compelling donor experience at WAGEC, and play a critical role in our mission of building safer futures for women and children.    We're looking for a an experienced fundraising professional to:  • Develop and strategise the launch of WAGEC’s first Regular Giving Program. • Create tailored donor experiences for all audience segments, including individual givers, regular givers, and explore opportunities for upgrades and renewals. • Lead the planning and execution of multi-channel fundraising appeals, including digital, direct mail, and major campaigns like EOFY and Christmas. • Leverage data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and optimise donor engagement. • Ensure fundraising activities are aligned with organisational goals and that WAGEC’s fundraising programs continue to evolve and thrive. If you want to leverage your fundraising skills to support women and children, apply today. Don't miss this opportunity to join a dedicated team working to end gender-based violence in a generation.    To learn more about the role and apply, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gsmeUUnX

Last year, the ACCESS Program supported 196 mentoring relationships, providing nearly 200 women and non-binary people with tailored 1-on-1 support to help them achieve their goals and build the life they aspire to live. This incredible impact was made possible by our dedicated network of volunteer mentors. For professionals seeking to make a difference, or corporate businesses looking to engage their staff in a new way, ACCESS offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, expand your understanding of the movement to end gender-based violence, and contribute to real social change. Applications close on 9 October. Don't miss the chance to join a network of committed individuals who are shaping a better future. Register today! Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gfjdyKUR

Applications are still open to join our ACCESS Mentoring Program!    We're looking for women and non-binary people from a range of different professions and industries to sign up as volunteer mentors.    Being an ACCESS Mentor is a fulfilling and meaningful volunteering opportunity. Mentors will develop their leadership skills, advance their career and support another woman or non-binary person to achieve their goals.     If you have a passion for gender equality and want to join a community dedicated to supporting women and non-binary people, apply to be a mentor today.     Applications are open until 9 October.     Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gfjdyKUR  

There are so many reasons to sign up as ACCESS mentor.     As an ACCESS mentor, you will be given the opportunity to build your leadership and communication skills, gain personal satisfaction, learn new perspectives and advance your career.    Most importantly, you’ll use your strengths to support a woman to build confidence and take steps towards financial independence.     We encourage people across all industries and experience levels to sign up! No previous mentoring experience is required. Past mentors have come from workplace industries such as health, recruitment, creative industries, personal fitness and social work.    Apply today to join a network of over 200 women and non-binary people contributing to social change.     Applications close on 9th October so get in quick. Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gfjdyKUR

“If we don’t value the contributions of women, we’re missing half the story.”     For the final instalment of our Equal Pay Day campaign, WAGEC’s CEO, Nicole Yade shared her expertise with our partners at Stella Insurance as part of their Stella Women Series.     Nic explained how WAGEC works to empower women to build financial literacy, how we can close the gender pay gap and the importance of staying grounded when working in this sector.     Nic has made an immense impact in her time at WAGEC. We’re proud to serve the women and children in our community and spearhead the movement to end-gender based violence under her guidance.     You can read the interview here: https://lnkd.in/gtf_8FW6 

Are you a professional seeking to use your strengths, develop your career and create social change? The ACCESS Mentoring Program is the perfect opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the community while building your leadership and communication skills.       ACCESS is a 3–6 month mentoring program that supports women and non-binary people to gain confidence and achieve their goals.     To be eligible to be a mentor you need to:    • Identify as a woman or non-binary person  • Live in the Greater Sydney area  • Be over the age of 18 No previous mentoring experience is required, and we encourage people from all industries to sign up.     Apply today to join a network of over 200 women and non-binary people contributing to social change.     Applications close 9 October.     Sign up here:  https://lnkd.in/gfjdyKUR

Our hearts are broken.   Last night, our community gathered to commemorate the life of Xiaoting Wang who tragically lost her life to domestic violence in Burwood earlier this month. Her death has deeply impacted our community in the Inner West, and left us all devastated.   Friends and frontline workers, classmates and community came together at a vigil to grieve this immense loss. Together, we paused for a minute of silence to honour Xiaoting and send our deepest condolences to her loved ones. Hundreds of white flowers were laid to pay tribute to a young life that never should have been lost.   Upon hearing that Xiaoting loved Taylor Swift, local police detectives made friendship bracelets with the initials ‘XW’ and handed them out to those who attended the vigil.   Now, we wear her initials on our wrists, and carry the weight of a life lost in our backyard.   Domestic violence is an epidemic. We must not stop until all women can exist in the community safely and free from the threat of violence.   Her name is Xiaoting Wang. We will not forget her.   If you need support during this time, please reach out to 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (13 11 14).

When people experiencing domestic violence reach out for support, financial abuse is present in 90% of cases.     The limitation of a partner’s access to economic resources, often causes them to become completely dependent on the perpetrator for food and shelter.       By promoting the early recognition of financial abuse and facilitating access to support, we work to mitigate the severity of harm.     WAGEC and Stella Insurance are committed to raising awareness and providing resources to help women recognize financial abuse and escape domestic violence.     Financial security isn’t just about economic empowerment for women. It’s about safety.  

Financial abuse is a pervasive form of domestic violence that can make it difficult for women to leave harmful partners. One in six women will experience financial abuse in their lifetime.    Women experience multiple and compounding systemic disadvantages that can cause greater economic instability and contribute to their increased likelihood of experiencing financial abuse.     By preventing domestic violence and closing the gender pay, superannuation and financial literacy gaps, we can reduce the likelihood and severity of financial abuse.     Our CEO Nicole Yade states that ‘Equal pay means we value the contributions of women equally to those men make in our community, and that’s important because we need everyone participating to ensure our children grow up in healthy communities, strong and proud of who they are, and creating brighter futures for all!”    Through our partnership with Stella Insurance, WAGEC are committed to continuing to improve financial outcomes for women in our community.