A new program to boost digital literacy and innovation acumen will turn girls and young women into up-and-coming entrepreneurs, the government says.
The Future Female Entrepreneurs program, to be launched on Tuesday, hopes to engage 55,000 Australian girls and young women through a digital platform and in-person workshops.
Mentoring will also be part of the $7.2 million program, funded half by government and half by private business.
Minister for Women Kelly O'Dwyer said a record number of women were in full-time work but, compared to men, were more likely to earn less and to work part-time.
"We want to arm girls and young women across Australia with the knowledge and skills they need to start their own businesses and create employment opportunities for themselves and for others," she said in a statement.
A report into Australia's startup sector released in October by Startup Muster revealed the proportion of female startup founders had dropped to a three-year low of 22 per cent.
Women made up 37 per cent of people who said they were considering launching startups.
