Indigenous women are being encouraged to step up and apply for Australia's first Executive Leadership Program, with applications closing soon.

Launched by a First Nations-owned and led business called Women's Business in conjunction with Australian not-for-profit organisation 'Women of Colour Australia', the program has been developed by and for women of colour, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. It will be delivered in person and online from May to December 2023.

Women of Colour Australia founder and managing director Brenda Gaddi said while the rhetoric for the advancement of women in leadership positions is widespread, but there's very little to no support for women of colour to break through the concrete ceiling.

"We want to help women of colour step into their power as changemakers and transformational leaders," Ms Gaddi said.

"To stand in solidarity with First Nations women means sharing the opportunities that are not often afforded to us as minoritised and racialised women in the White-centred world. There's power in the collective and First Nations women have been leading the way for collectivism for thousands of years. We are humbled and honoured to be walking this journey with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women."

The program is designed for women who currently hold or aspire to hold senior leadership roles in their workplaces.

The groundbreaking program will be delivered by Women of Colour subject matter experts and thought leaders. It offers a culturally and psychologically safe leadership program, including tailored workshops and modules that examine radical and gendered influences, explores adaptive challenges, and help design clear and executable strategies that have the potential to transform people and organisations.

The program has sourced highly-respected subject expert matters and thought leaders, all Women of Colour, to contribute to the design of the program.

Some of the facilitators include Tasneem Chopra OAM, Cross-Cultural Consultant and DEI trainer, Winitha Bonney OAM, global DEI expert, and Abiola Ajetomobi, Founding Director of Leading Impact, an Australian-based Equity & Inclusion consulting agency. Participants of the program will also have access to small group coaching, executive mentoring, and support to complete a group adaptive challenge project as well as pre and post-program assessments.

Women's Business Founder, Kat Henaway who is a descendant of the Mer and Mua peoples of the Torres Strait Islands and Director of Women's Business says contextualising career leadership programs has proven to be immensely beneficial for Indigenous people.

"We are bringing the tried-and-tested approach to Women of Colour because we understand the importance of having representation of Women of Colour in leadership positions and we want to empower Australian corporations to embrace cultural diversity at all levels of their organisations", said Kat Henaway.

Women of Colour who hold senior management positions in the private, public, and community sectors, with a, demonstrated and genuine commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and who reside in Victoria, are highly encouraged to apply here before applications close on February 28, 2023.