“How do I get out of bed today?”
For many women, this is not a philosophical question — it’s a daily reality. No job. No income. No confidence. Sometimes no safe home. And often, no belief left that things can change.
At a recent Rotary meeting, members had the privilege of hearing from Leonie Bailey, President of Dress for Success Victoria, who shared the powerful and deeply moving work her organisation does to support women experiencing vulnerability as they enter or re-enter the workforce.
Dress for Success Victoria supports women facing barriers including family violence, homelessness, financial hardship, migration challenges, illness, and time in custody. Their work goes far beyond clothing. It is about restoring dignity, confidence, and belief — often at a moment when women feel they have lost everything.
Through personalised styling appointments, professional clothing, interview preparation, résumé support, mentoring and confidence-building programs, women are given the tools — and the encouragement — to take their next step forward.
In addition, Dress for Success provides care packs for women in crisis, often containing basic essentials such as clothing, toiletries and shoes. In just two months last year, 60 care packs were distributed to women with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.
Since commencing in Victoria in 2008, Dress for Success has supported thousands of women. Last year alone:
Over 350 women were assisted
Four tonnes of clothing were diverted from landfill
Women across metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria were supported through pop-up days and virtual services
One particularly moving story shared by Leonie involved four Year 12 students who were unable to attend their graduation dinner because they had nothing to wear. Through community partnerships, each girl received a dress — and the chance to feel included, confident and proud. As Leonie noted, there wasn’t a dry eye in the office.
Dress for Success Victoria is also working with the Department of Corrections to support women re-entering society after imprisonment, recognising that even small interventions can have life-changing ripple effects.
As Rotarians, the message was clear:
When women are financially secure, families are stronger — and communities thrive.
Rotary’s theme, United for Good, aligns powerfully with the mission of Dress for Success Victoria. There are many ways Rotary members and clubs can help — through partnerships, fundraising, volunteering and clothing donations.
By supporting Dress for Success Victoria, you are not just giving clothes.
You are giving confidence, opportunity and hope — and helping women rebuild their futures.
