The Albanese Labor Government is partnering with 55 community organisations across Australia to improve the digital inclusion of refugee and migrant women.

Overseen by the Good Things Foundation, the $700,000 grant will extend the successful Digital Sisters digital literacy program for 12 months, helping more than 2200 migrant and refugee women.

In a media release, Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the Government recognises that digital inclusion is about connection as much as information.

“As a society we are increasingly reliant on digital and online services, and yet we know one in four Australians experience digital exclusion,” Minister Rishworth said.

Digital literacy empowers marginalised women, fostering social and economic inclusion, and enhancing their independence and wellbeing in our digital world.

“For migrant and refugee women the level of exclusion is much higher leaving them disconnected from community and unable to access trusted information and services.”

“This program is changing lives by building confidence and the ability to be safe online. By becoming digitally literate, women increase their ability to participate socially and economically which in turn impacts their independence and wellbeing,” she added.

In its pilot year, the Digital Sisters program helped 1178 vulnerable refugee and migrant women to build their digital literacy skills and participate in the community.

A total of 96 per cent of learners increased their confidence to use technology and 89 per cent of learners reported increased social connection following this training.

Digital Sisters provides training and materials in easy English and can provide bi-lingual digital mentors to help women build confidence and connections.

In addition to supporting migrant and refugee women, the Digital Sisters program is expanding the capability of participating community organisations, with a further 110 bilingual digital mentors to be trained in 2024-25.

This article also appears on Comms Room. For more details, click here.

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