Commemorating International Women’s Day on 8 March at South Metro TAFE
"I’m incredibly proud to recognise the contributions of women here at SM TAFE in every part of our organisation, in both our employee and student cohorts."
SM TAFE Managing Director Darshi Ganeson-Oats
On 8 March 2024, we recognise the contributions of women toward the training and education of 30,000 South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE) students annually, across over 350 qualifications. We also celebrate women representing the next generation of students in diverse trades and occupations.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is the opportunity to embrace the many aspects of women’s identities, no matter what they choose to do, from learning heavy auto or teaching carpentry, to women in key leadership roles at the college. SM TAFE is proud to have gender parity with women representing 52.3% of our workforce. Additionally, nearly 54% of leadership positions are held by women.
SM TAFE Managing Director Darshi Ganeson-Oats explains, “In our corner of the world in Western Australia, I’m incredibly proud to recognise the contributions of women here at SM TAFE in every part of our organisation, in both our employee and student cohorts.
“IWD is a chance for us to reflect on the importance of gender equality and our workforce representation here not only exceeds Public Sector aspirational diversity targets, but creates a more inclusive and diverse culture at SM TAFE.”
To commemorate the 2024 IWD theme of Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress, the college produced a video, focussing on why it’s important to recognise IWD and exploring the rise in interest from women in non-traditional roles.
Armadale and Thornlie Jobs and Skills Manager Hayley Cassidy leads the SM TAFE Women in Non-Traditional Trades and Technical Occupations (WiNTT) Scholarship Program. The scholarship was launched in 2023 by the Western Australian Government to help women break down stereotypes and train for their dream career. Its aim is to improve women’s equality in the workforce in traditionally dominated roles such as building and construction, science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
With a background in construction, Hayley says that for her, IWD is about ensuring everyone feels valued and can be their authentic selves at work.
“Days like IWD allow us to focus our intention on inclusion in the workplace. We need to support our female leaders including mothers coming back into the workforce and help them strive for roles which see them reach their potential – it’s a different perspective that they can bring,” Hayley said.
Student Josie Daintith is completing the AUR31220 Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology and is in the third year of her apprenticeship at SM TAFE, working at Komatsu.
“I was inspired to get into heavy auto as I’ve always had a love of motors; I’m a bit of a rev head. For me, IWD is about equality and progressing towards a world where there isn’t such a thing as a male-dominated environment. We’re making really good progress; I’m spoilt for choice with this trade when it comes to the future!” Josie said.
Watch the full video to hear more about IWD from our community at SM TAFE.
Scholarships for Women at SM TAFE
Women in Non-Traditional Trades (WiNTT) Scholarship
Applications for the $5,000 WiNTT scholarship close 31 March 2024.
Women in Defence Industry Scholarship
Applications for the Women in Defence Industry Scholarship close 15 March 2024.