Northern Territory Government Supports Territorians in Breaking Down Gender Barriers in Education and Employment

Strategic Insights -

Territorians are taking advantage of the Northern Territory Government's 2025 Minister for Equality Scholarships, which provide financial support for students pursuing vocational education and training or higher education in non-traditionally male- or female-dominated fields. The program, delivered in partnership with Charles Darwin University and the Office of Gender Equity and Diversity, has awarded $68,600 across nine recipients. Georgie Van Der Staay, Yiting Wang, Mike Nghiem, and Jahlita Hoffman are among this year's recipients, who are pursuing studies in work health and safety, early childhood education, teaching, and midwifery, respectively.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Northern Territory Government's 2025 Minister for Equality Scholarships program has awarded $68,600 across nine recipients, providing financial support for students in non-traditionally male- or female-dominated fields.
  • Among this year's recipients is Georgie Van Der Staay, who is studying a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety and working as a WHS Auditor with Top End Safety Solutions.
  • Yiting Wang, originally from China, is studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and plans to bring classical music into early learning environments across the NT.
  • Mike Nghiem, an international student based in Alice Springs, received a $15,000 Higher Education Scholarship to study a Master of Teaching (Secondary) and plans to teach in remote NT communities.
  • Jahlita Hoffman, a proud First Nations woman from Katherine, received a Higher Education Scholarship to study a Bachelor of Midwifery and is determined to provide culturally safe and compassionate maternity care in her hometown.
  • The program has expanded since 2022 to support men in underrepresented fields, complementing its long-standing support for women in trades, STEM, and leadership.
  • The scholarships are designed to reduce social, cultural, and financial barriers to education and increase gender equity in study and employment pathways.

Statistics:

  • $68,600: The total amount awarded across nine recipients of the 2025 Minister for Equality Scholarships.
  • 9: The number of recipients awarded scholarships through the program.
  • $5,000 - $15,000: The range of scholarship awards, with some recipients receiving up to $15,000 for higher education studies.
  • 2022: The year the program expanded to support men in underrepresented fields.
  • 24: The number of years the Minister for Equality Scholarships program has been operating.

Sources:

  • Darwin: Northern Territory Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage. "2025 Minister for Equality Scholarships recipients announced."
  • Darwin: Northern Territory Government. "Minister for Equality Scholarships program reduces social, cultural and financial barriers to education while increasing gender equity in study and employment pathways."