Dress for Success needs your help to give vulnerable women a chance to thrive

Women empowerment organisation Dress for Success Sydney (DFSS) has reached halfway in its fundraising goal of $250,000 to assist women throughout Australia in overcoming barriers to employment. 

The not-for-profit is urging Australians to contribute the equivalent of one hour’s pay to support them in reaching their target.

DFSS is an affiliate of Dress for Success Worldwide based in the USA. It is an incorporated, not-for-profit organisation run by a small team and a network of volunteers. 

Their mission is to support disadvantaged women and help them achieve self-sufficiency and financial independence through employment.

The charity is asking the public to help 700 women secure employment through this campaign. 

Women face multiple barriers to entering and re-entering the workforce, including Australia’s gender-segregated workforce, the gender pay gap, overrepresentation in lower-paid roles, part-time work, and disproportionate caring responsibilities. 

These factors reduce women’s earnings and super balances, increasing the risk of aged poverty.

Every dollar donated directly supports vulnerable women with the resources they need to break into and succeed in the workforce, including professional attire, career development training, and networking opportunities.

You can donate your hour now via the DFSS website. 

DFSS CEO Leisa Sadler wants to give these women the tools they need to become financially independent. 

“The Empower Hour campaign is an incredible opportunity for Australians to come together and support each other. Every donation makes a difference in a women’s life – it could be the difference between financial independence or remaining in poverty.”

Dress for Success is calling on Australians to positively impact struggling women affected by the current economic situation during March.

Sadler says everyone deserves an equal chance at success.

“The average full-time employee works around 2,000 hours a year. We’re asking for one hour for investment in the future – because when women work, families thrive, communities prosper, and the economy grows.”

The Empower Hour campaign has made significant progress toward its fundraising target and is now halfway there.  

All donations will provide essential support services such as interview preparation, resume writing courses, and one-on-one mentoring – all crucial to finding employment.