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About us

Leading Women Australia is dedicated to empowering women across Victoria and Australia. We provide safe housing, mentorship, job training, legal support, and personal development programs for women facing divorce, widowhood, homelessness, and unemployment. Our mission is to help women rebuild confidence, achieve independence, and become leaders in their communities.  

         Our Story 

What started as a grassroots initiative has blossomed into a nationwide movement. Founded by Rahima Khatun, Leading Women Australia was born out of a deep commitment to help women navigate some of life’s tough​est challenges. Over time, we have expanded our support from basic shelter to a robust network of counseling, job training, legal aid, and personal development workshops.

Women participating in a leadership workshop at Leading Women Australia

        Our Mission

At Leading Women Australia, we are dedicated to uplifting divorced, widowed, unemployed, and homeless women across Victoria and beyond. Through tailored services such as job training, counselling, safe housing, and legal aid, we empower women to rebuild their lives with confidence, stability, and purpose.

Mentorship session supporting young women in Victoriaat the table

Our Vision

We envision an Australia where every woman—regardless of her past challenges—has access to the resources, support, and community she needs to lead a self-sufficient, fulfilling life and contribute meaningfully to society.

Community empowerment event by Leading Women Australia

Our Initiatives

Women in Leadership Program

Cultivating leadership through coaching, communication, and decision-making workshops.  


Mentorship Circles

Connecting emerging leaders with established mentors who inspire, support, and guide.  


Young Women’s Empowerment

Providing early-career training, internships, and networking opportunities for younger women.  


Annual Leadership Summit

Providing early-career training, internships, and networking opportunities for younger women.  


Community Engagement 

Partnering with local organisations, schools, and underserved communities to ensure our programs reach those who need them most.  


Women’s Advocacy & Policy

Influencing public policy to champion gender equality—at work, at home, and in leadership roles.


Meet our tea​m


Rahima Khatun

Founder & CEO

Rahima Khatun is passionate about creating opportunities that inspire women to lead with confidence and make meaningful change.

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Mahjabeen Lamia Kabir

Member - Community Engagement & Empowerment

she works to create opportunities, support those in need, and drive positive change for a better future


Mahpara Lamia Kabir

Member – Innovation & Social Change

She empowers communities by fostering new ideas, sustainable solutions, and meaningful actions that create lasting social progress

Social Media
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Sharmin Sultana

Member – Leadership & Development Initiatives

Sharmin Sultana empowers women by fostering leadership, growth, and community engagement.  

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Who We Are

Based in Victoria, Leading Women Australia is a community-driven non-profit organisation rooted in empathy, collaboration, and impact. Our team is made up of passionate professionals, volunteers, and mentors who share a common goal: to see women thrive.

Why We’re Different

  • Women-centred Approach: We design our programs specifically for women navigating life changes after loss, separation, or hardship.
  • Holistic Support: Rather than offering one-off services, we provide emotional, legal, financial, and career support — all in one place.
  • Empowerment over Dependency: Our goal is to give women agency and sustainable pathways, not just temporary relief.
  • Local Focus, Big Heart: While we’re based in Victoria, our vision is national. We partner with local businesses and community organisations to grow our impact.

Why We Do It

We know that when women are supported, entire communities change. By helping women heal, learn, and lead, we don’t just change individual lives—we create ripple effects that uplift society.

Our Impact

  • Hundreds of women supported through transformational programs
  • Dozens of mentorship circles have been established across Australia
  • A growing coalition of changemakers influencing gender-equality policies
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