Fearless Women provides resources and education to help young women understand themselves and the world. Photo: Fearless Women.
Canberra charity Fearless Women has secured a $772,000 funding lifeline in the 2025/26 budget after a petition was submitted to the Legislative Assembly.
The petition sponsored by Liberal MLA Chiaka Berry had asked for funding to help the organisation continue its work in education, mentoring and counselling.
CEO Glenda Stevens welcomed the funding.
“This funding ensures our doors remain open to the hundreds of girls and young women across the ACT who rely on us, it allows us to keep making a real difference in their lives,” she said.
Fearless Women offers support, mentoring, counselling and education services for young women between the ages of 10 and 25.
The services help young women develop confidence, courage and resilience and to become healthy and socially engaged.
“Our programs are designed to equip young women with the courage and tools they need to not just survive … but thrive, we want them to live boldly and fearlessly,” Ms Stevens said.
The petition backed a pre-budget submission to the Legislative Assembly. The charity had sought a funding commitment of $500,000 between 2025 and 2028 indexed to inflation in 2026.
In the government’s response, Minister for Women Marisa Paterson said the government recognised the importance of supporting the mental health of ACT women and girls.
“The ACT Government notes the evidence showing that girls and young women in the ACT feel overwhelmed, stressed and uncertain about their future,” she wrote in response to the petition.
Though it did not commit to the three years of funding, the government will give the group $772,000 over the next two years.
Dr Paterson also highlighted that the government gave $158,000 to the group last financial year to provide a counselling service for women aged 10 to 25.
“The ACT Government acknowledges the importance of programs that enable young women and girls to better understand who they are, what they can be and how they can thrive. These include programs like those offered by Fearless Women.”
Since the group started in 2022, 3500 women have attended education sessions.
Ms Stevens said the need for their services kept growing.
“Our sessions are full, and the demand keeps growing. Today’s funding announcement is a lifeline for us and for the girls who walk through our doors seeking connection, strength and support.”
