[Melbourne, Vic]–
As industries like technology and e-commerce evolve to embrace digital innovation, the gender gap remains a critical issue, with women significantly underrepresented in leadership and technical roles. The new Empower Her Future Program, developed by Business in Heels and powered by SEDA, is stepping in to create systemic change—and parents have a vital role to play in shaping this future.
This groundbreaking gap-year initiative equips young women with the skills, confidence, and industry exposure needed to thrive in careers traditionally dominated by men. Participants graduate with a Diploma of Business and complete two-week work experience placements with leading organizations, gaining hands-on experience in e-commerce, technology, and digital business functions.
"Retail and e-commerce are no longer just about storefronts—they're about data analytics, digital marketing, and supply chain innovation," says Lisa Sweeney, CEO of Business in Heels. "Empower Her Future helps young women see these industries as dynamic, long-term career paths rather than short-term jobs."
Parents: Key Partners in Closing the Gap Parents play an instrumental role in encouraging their daughters to explore non-traditional career paths. By exposing them to programs like Empower Her Future, parents can:
- Break Stereotypes: Challenge outdated perceptions about retail and e-commerce as "stepping stone" industries.
- Highlight Opportunities: Showcase the innovative and technology-driven nature of these fields.
- Build Confidence: Support their daughters in gaining skills that lead to high-demand roles.
A groundbreaking new gap year program, Empower Her Future, is launching to provide young women with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in male-dominated industries. The Business in Heels, Empower Her Future program is powered by SEDA. It is an initiative of Business in Heels International, a renowned organization dedicated to empowering women in business, the program offers a unique opportunity to explore emerging career paths, develop essential workplace skills, and earn a valuable diploma.
Addressing a Critical Need
A 2022 Monash University study of nearly 2800 students in years 10 to 12, entitled Young women choosing careers: Who decides?, showed that one-third felt they had insufficient information to make career choices. Empower Her Future is designed to address this gap by providing girls with the resources, experiences, and mentorship they need to break into traditionally male-dominated fields.
Key Program Features:
- Explore High-Demand Industries: Participants will explore a variety of emerging industries, including technology, cybersecurity, energy, finance, and retail technology, which often have a gender imbalance.
- Learn from Industry Role Models: Weekly mentorship sessions with senior women in these fields will provide participants with valuable insights into their careers, daily experiences, and career paths.
- Gain Practical Experience through Internships: Participants will complete two-week internships with leading organizations in male-dominated industries to gain firsthand experience, apply their learnings, and contribute to real-world projects.
- Earn a Diploma of Business: Upon completion, participants will earn a nationally recognized Diploma in Business from SEDA.
- Develop Essential Workplace Skills: The program will equip girls with essential soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership, preparing them for success in any professional environment.
- Benefit from Comprehensive Support: The program includes weekly sessions covering workplace requirements, networking for jobs, and support for internship placements, ensuring participants are well-prepared for their future careers.
Nick Hannett, CEO of SEDA says, "At the core of SEDA has always been practical, applied learning that is connected to industry. We're excited to work with Business in Heels on our shared vision of empowering young people, as we expand our diploma offerings into the business sector empowering young women to shape their future careers"
