feature building economic empowerment with zonta house

A group of women from Chevron Australia's Women's Network and Zonta House holding paintbrushes and rollers during a volunteering day at one of Zonta House's refuges.A group of women from Chevron Australia's Women's Network and Zonta House holding paintbrushes and rollers during a volunteering day at one of Zonta House's refuges.

At Chevron Australia, we understand the importance of sustainable economic empowerment, which is why we partner with government and local organisations to build capabilities in the communities where we operate.

We recently began supporting Zonta House Refuge Association to deliver their Future Employment Connections Program, which helps women who have experienced family or domestic violence (FDV) to achieve financial independence.

Zonta House is a Western Australian not-for-profit organisation which provides safety, essential relief and support to women who have experienced FDV.

They offer a range of services, including refuge and transitional accommodation, recovery programs, employment support, outreach and free education services to women who experience family and domestic violence.

A volunteer from Chevron Australia's women network and a Zonta House staff member.A volunteer from Chevron Australia's women network and a Zonta House staff member.

Members of Chevron Australia's Women's Network recently held a volunteering day doing painting, gardening and maintenance work at one of Zonta House's refuges.

The Future Employment Connections Program provides focused and specialist support in a safe environment to enhance the likelihood of success towards economic independence and community integration for women who have experienced FDV.

The program combines one-on-one coaching and support with practical upskilling and training opportunities, aiming to create long-term employment pathways and support participants throughout the education, recruitment and employment process. 

The program partners with service providers and women’s social enterprises to create opportunities for participants, dependent on their individual training or employment goals.

"The ongoing support from Chevron Australia and their employees is so valued by Zonta House and the women we walk alongside each day."

Kelda Oppermann - Zonta House CEO


“This support enables us to provide the services needed but also provides motivation that we are all in this together.”

Building on our support

This new partnership builds on our support for Zonta House over the past few years. 

Since 2020, Chevron Australia has donated a total of more than $300,000 to Zonta House to support their vital work through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This included more than $80,000 through matched workplace giving to support the continued operation of their crisis and transitional accommodation. 

Chevron Australia’s workforce have also leant their support to Zonta House through volunteering. To mark the start of this new partnership, our Women’s Network recently held a volunteering day doing maintenance, gardening and painting work at a refuge. 

“The services Zonta House provides are life-changing for women experiencing family and domestic violence in Western Australia,” said Chevron Australia partnerships manager Mel Smith."

“Chevron Australia is proud to help Zonta House continue their vital work and help women who have experienced FDV achieve economic independence.” 

Learn more about Zonta House at their website >