Scholarships available for young women

27 November 2020

Inspiring young women from the Bega Valley Shire are being asked to challenge barriers in time for the International Women’s Day scholarships opening to applicants later this month.

The annual Council scholarships of up to $500 will be awarded to five young women seeking to achieve their goals while encouraging others in the community to do the same.

Council’s Manager of Community Connections, Anne Cleverley said the theme for next year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Choose to Challenge’, a reference to young women changing the world around them.

“This year’s applicants are encouraged to consider their hopes and aspirations and think about how they can challenge barriers that stand in the way of making positive changes,” Ms Cleverley said.

“The organisers of International Women’s Day say a challenged world is an alert world and looking back at past scholarship recipients and the ways they have demolished barriers, I couldn’t agree more.

“One of last year’s recipients, Katie Harris, tackled the fashion industry head-on with her dreams of becoming a fashion model living with disability.

“Katie has Down syndrome and, thanks to her unwavering determination, she has started on a path to a modelling career.

“She has gone from participating in a local inclusive fashion show to a crowd favourite and walking the catwalk for Marky Atelier at a Sydney fashion show last year.

“She has gone from participating in a local inclusive fashion show to a crowd favourite and walking the catwalk for Marky Atelier, Ginan Tab and Cantik Clothing at a Sydney fashion show last year.

“We all get the feeling this is only the beginning for Katie, and it comes from a belief in herself and having the courage to never give up.

“Offering financial assistance to young inspiring women like Katie is a joy, because we get to see her achieving her dreams while inspiring others to dig in and challenge barriers of their own.”

Scholarship applications can relate to different areas such as arts and culture, environment, business, community, health and sport. It can be for personal goals or to support the broader community.

Applications open on 30 November 2020 and close on 7 January 2021.

To apply and learn more about the International Women’s Day Young Women’s Scholarship, visit the International Women’s Day scholarship page on Council’s website, or call 6499 2222.