Welcome to Sefa’s EmpowerHER Program:
At Sefa, we work with Social Purpose Organisations and their leaders to deliver transformational impact. To create meaningful change, gender equality must be embedded in every aspect of program design and delivery.
EmpowerHer is our flagship initiative dedicated to supporting female social entrepreneurs across NSW. It’s about amplifying the impact of these changemakers—women reshaping lives and communities with innovative, locally driven solutions.
Our Achievements So Far:
In 2024, EmpowerHer made significant strides, nurturing women-focused enterprises in two key regions—Northern Rivers and Riverina/Murray. These regions were identified as having both a need and appetite for programs like EmpowerHer. Here’s what we’ve achieved in collaboration with local partners:
Regional Impact
We’ve engaged almost 20 regional female social entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to elevate their social enterprises and deepen their community impact. Over 12 weeks, participants in the program benefitted from core module delivery, 1:1 coaching, and structured peer reflections. Topics included defining business models, articulating theories of change, marketing for impact, and identifying growth funding opportunities.
Social Entrepreneurship Growth
EmpowerHer connects participants with like-minded women, fostering a supportive community that shares challenges, successes, and networks. For many, this connection has been a transformative outcome. One participant shared:
"The most positive experience was meeting everyone—the empowerment, the validation, and the belief."
By building visibility and shared knowledge, EmpowerHer is paving the way for a new generation of female leaders in social enterprise.
Community Benefits
From creating employment opportunities for regional migrant and refugee women to combatting social isolation among professional women, these changemakers are filling critical gaps. Their work stems from deep local knowledge, a connection to the issues, and a clear understanding of the needs of their communities.
Through EmpowerHer, we’re seeing outcomes like:
Supporting people living with disability through sensory art therapy.
Driving economic activity in underserved areas.
Improving access to vital services for those who need them most.
The Work Ahead
While we’ve made great progress, the journey isn’t over. Female entrepreneurs still face significant barriers, and we need sustainable pathways for women-focused social enterprises across diverse sectors and regions. The demand for programs like EmpowerHer is stronger than ever.
Join Us in Empowering Change
We’re calling on partners to help fund future EmpowerHer cohorts. Your support can unlock potential, spark innovation, and create lasting pathways for women to lead impactful change.
Together, we can challenge the status quo and build an ecosystem that champions growth, equality, and opportunity.
