City of Hobart and Dress for Success Unite to Empower Women

Published on 05 March 2024

The City of Hobart will continue its partnership with Dress for Success, an organisation dedicated to empowering women on their employment journey, as International Women's Day (IWD) approaches on 8 March.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said IWD was a significant date on the calendar.

"International Women's Day is a significant event for recognizing and honouring the achievements of women but also reminds us of the work still to be done to achieve equality,” Cr Reynolds said.

“At the City of Hobart, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women thrive. With 41% of our workforce comprising women, including those in non-traditional roles, we are proud of the progress we've made in promoting gender equality.

"Our city is privileged to have women in prominent leadership positions, including myself as Lord Mayor and Cr Helen Burnet as Deputy Lord Mayor, alongside many others in senior management and director roles.

“This International Women's Day, we stand united with our Hobart community in our commitment to inspire and uplift women from all walks of life, which is why partnerships like this with Dress for Success mean so much."

Dress for Success CEO Amanda French said the organisation's mission was to empower Tasmanian women in their job search endeavours.

“Dress for Success believes that by investing in women, we are not only improving the lives of individuals, but we are also strengthening our communities and building a better future for us all,” Ms French (pictured left) said.

“Powered by volunteers, every year Dress for Success supports hundreds of women on their employment and participation journey.

“Dress for Success’ signature Styling service and suite of Career Support offerings aim to help women overcome bias and discrimination when entering or re-entering the workforce - at no cost to the women needing the services.

“And most recently, Dress for Success Hobart became Dress for Success Tasmania to ensure that all women around the state regardless of their postcode have access to these crucial services.

“But as a small organisation with limited resources and powered by a network of volunteers, we need the support of our community to do more.

“Dress for Success Tasmania’s operations are run from their Boutique and Office space located in the Hobart City Council building at 24 Davey.

“A partnership between City of Hobart and Dress for Success has been in place since 2019 and enables Dress for Success to direct as much revenue as possible into their day-to-day operations supporting more Tasmanian women.”

For more information about the Dress for Success Welcome Backpacks and how to donate can be found here.