The Morrison Government is inviting organisations to apply for a share of $20.35 million in funding under the Women's Leadership and Development Program's (WLDP).
The Lead and Succeed grant opportunity will support projects that address the structural and systemic barriers that can impede women's employment and progression into leadership, and that create an environment for women to achieve professional success.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, said having women in leadership positions helps reduce gender pay gaps, ensures more balanced decision-making, provides role models and mentors for the next generation of leaders and contributes to achieving gender equality.
"When women reach their full potential, their talents and skills benefit the whole community and drive economic growth," Minister Payne said.
"International Women's Day is an important opportunity to celebrate women's achievements and also redouble our efforts to create a more gender equal future, and the Lead and Succeed grants will help in that goal."
The Government provided $38.3 million for the WLDP as part of the 2021-22 Women's Budget Statement. This was on top of the $47.9 million provided in the 2020 Women's Economic Security Statement.
"To target the diverse needs of women in Australia, priority will be given to projects with strong connections to their community and partnerships with specialist organisations," Minister Payne said.
The Lead and Succeed grant round is seeking national scale projects that deliver diverse and culturally appropriate responses for women living in regional, rural and remote areas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, older women, women with disability, LGBTQI+ women, and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
"We want to see all women achieve their potential to lead and succeed in their chosen field," Minister Payne said.
Applications will close on 21 April 2022.
