MetLife Foundation has donated $155,000 to help the First Nations Foundation’s push to improve financial knowledge and outcomes among Indigenous women. 

The donation will support the Rich Blak Women initiative and its new Resilient and Ready program, which focuses on Indigenous women’s career development.

MetLife says the funding will help about 500 First Nations women participate in the program, which offers in-person events, self-support financial modules and online workshops in areas including budgeting, debt management, career goals and negotiating salary. 

A recent University of Melbourne report found Indigenous-owned businesses contributed to $16.1 billion of revenue across Australia in 2021-22, employing 116,795 workers.  

First Nations Foundation CEO Phil Usher says the donation is a “great sign from MetLife to demonstrate its commitment to the financial wellbeing of First Nations women. Indigenous women are not only leaders in our communities but also often the ones in charge of the household budget.

“By empowering our mothers, sisters and aunties, we are ensuring that we have a positive impact throughout the community.  

“We’re thrilled to have MetLife on board, supporting Indigenous women in achieving just that.”