EmpowerHer: Women Driving Social Enterprise Innovation in the Riverina and Murray Regions
By Anna Robertson, Senior Manager - Impact and Engagement
Unearthing female social entrepreneurs in regional NSW can be challenging. Many are unaware of the term ‘social entrepreneur’ or hesitant to identify as such. Sefa’s EmpowerHer program in the Riverina and Murray regions highlighted this, but it also revealed the power of community. Local introductions and insights helped us make the program accessible to the changemakers we sought to support.
The result was a cohort of nine phenomenal female-led social enterprises reshaping lives with innovative, locally driven solutions.
Innovative Solutions to Local Challenges
Family and domestic violence is a major national health and welfare issue, with a devastating ripple effect across families and communities. In the Riverina region, women are 50% more likely to experience domestic violence-related assault than the NSW state average – which has increased by more than 15% over the last 5 years. Social enterprise is stepping in to support families and communities, indirectly alleviating complex behaviors and trauma. Taster Property, based in Wagga, creates a safe and creative space for young people to develop skills and feel empowered through programs led by locals, for locals. Sisters Are Doing It For Ourselves combats social isolation among women in Wagga, offering wellness and adventure activities like kayaking and hiking to foster connection and confidence.
In the Riverina and Murray regions, almost 20% of locals were born overseas. Amongst this cohort there is a high unemployment and underemployment rate, with 52% of overseas-born women unemployed despite being the most highly educated in the region. Furthermore, there is a dearth of accessible mental health services designed for migrant and refugee women. In the Albury-Wodonga region, Boas Language Academy is providing accessible language education while creating job opportunities for migrant and refugee women. Similarly, Embrace Care Solutions is addressing a gap in mental health support for migrant women by offering multilingual counselling at subsidised rates, reducing stigma and improving access to care.
For people with disabilities, Mojo Theatre Productions in Wagga delivers sensory art programs that spark joy and familiarity through immersive experiences, while Kerri Weymouth’s work in Coleambally provides a safe space for creativity and social connection, combating isolation for older community members and those with disabilities.
Each enterprise is driven by deep local knowledge and an unwavering commitment to creating change where it’s needed most.
Why Programs Like EmpowerHer Matter
1) Bridging gaps with tailored support
EmpowerHer was more than content delivery—it was about meeting each entrepreneur where they were in their journey. From financial planning to storytelling workshops, the program adapted to individual needs, delivering actionable outcomes.
For one founder, the program clarified a sustainable business model. For another, it provided the confidence to share her story and attract community support. Face-to-face coaching and peer sessions offered invaluable space for reflection, encouragement, and unexpected insights. One participant shared, “The peer sessions were some of the most useful and inspiring parts of the program.”
2) Curating a collective in place
While each enterprise focused on a distinct challenge, collaboration became a key theme. Over 10 weeks, founders shared insights, resources, and encouragement. They made time in their busy schedules to introduce each other to friends and community members that could serve a purpose for that fellow social entrepreneur. In all sessions, space was made to share stories, challenges and laughs - many shared the palpable challenge of balancing a business, a job and a family, often as primary carers. This comradery was not taken for granted by anyone, it was a refreshing change to what can sometimes be a lonely and isolating journey to impact, and the cohort has every intention of continuing that support beyond the life of the program. One participant reflected, “We’ll remain part of each other’s social enterprise journeys. I look forward to this.”
In regional areas, where resources are scarce, this collaboration amplifies impact. For example, one participant partnered with a local school to house her disability program, while another boosted her visibility by tapping into shared marketing strategies.
EmpowerHer created the structure for these connections to flourish, building not just individual capacity but a thriving ecosystem of female-led social enterprises.
3) Validation and confidence
Many women hesitated to apply, doubting whether they fit the program. Yet those with the most self-doubt often delivered the most innovative solutions. As one participant shared, “The hardest decision was applying, but I’ve learned so much and gained the energy and confidence to make this work.”
Confidence became a cornerstone of success. Tailored coaching, peer reflections, and the supportive cohort culture turned hesitation into empowerment. “My knowledge grew, but more importantly, so did my confidence. I now truly own my social enterprise space,” another participant shared.
Looking Ahead:
EmpowerHer has planted seeds of transformation that will continue to grow. These founders are emerging as leaders in their communities, equipped with new skills, unshakable confidence, and a strong network. They’re proving that when women support women, extraordinary things happen, and their innovative solutions are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for regional NSW.