The State Government has announced the latest round of scholarships awarded to women to support them achieve their career aspirations.

Women’s Interests Minister Liza Harvey said the scholarships allowed the women to attend a range of programs which provided entrepreneurship and mentoring opportunities.

“These women are all pursuing a range of innovative business ideas and have been recognised because of the incredible commitment they’ve shown to realising their goals,” Mrs Harvey said.

“It is great to see so many women taking up these scholarships with such enthusiasm and I am sure the programs will help them further their careers.”

The Minister said the Government provided a number of scholarships each year to three programs that encouraged women who aspired to being successful in business, or to taking on roles in the mining industry.

Among the women taking part this year is Yvonne Kelly-Osborne, who attended the Curtin Growth Ignition Program, which enables aspiring entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas.

Ms Osborne is hoping to develop her indigenous family-run business, supplying protective equipment to community organisations and businesses, mining and Government.

Other programs supported by the Government’s scholarship scheme are the Women in Global Business Mentoring Program and the Women in Mining WA Mentoring Program.

Mrs Harvey said a Government priority was to promote and enhance economic independence and leadership of women.

Fact File

• To date, 45 women have attended programs supported by Government scholarships
• In 2013, only 18% of Curtin Growth Ignition graduates were women, but Government scholarships have contributed to increasing this rate to 60% in 2015
• Applications open today for the next round of scholarships for the Women in Mining WA mentoring program