03/10/2026
This is infuriating. Why are women still fighting to have the value of Women’s Sheds recognised and properly funded?
Governments talk about gender equality, women’s economic participation, skills shortages and preventing domestic and family violence. Women’s Sheds offer a practical opportunity to support those goals.
A safe, inclusive space to learn can build confidence, independence and connection. It can also provide a first step into trades for women who might never otherwise consider that path. For others, it means gaining practical skills and a supportive community.
Men’s Sheds have a dedicated federal funding programme recognising their health and wellbeing benefits. Women deserve that recognition too. Short-term project grants cannot provide long-term security and are not sustainable.
Here in Coffs, we’ve responded to Tanya Plibersek’s call for ideas and strategies and invited her to visit and hear our ideas. We’re still waiting for a response.
If government is listening, we need that listening to lead to action: meet with us, take the proposals seriously and establish sustainable funding.
Women should not have to keep volunteering, fundraising and fighting simply to keep the doors open.
This is about safety, opportunity and equity. Fund it accordingly!
Women's Shed Canberra founder Sunita Kotnala faces tough decisions about the social enterprise's future after her petition for funding appears…
