Consultation Blitz Puts Gender Equality Strategy On The Home Stretch

Consultations for Victoria’s first Gender Equality Strategy are on the home stretch, with hundreds of Victorians helping set the Andrews Labor Government’s blueprint for gender equality.

Since July, Minister for Women Fiona Richardson has been travelling the state, leading consultations in Shepparton, Wangaratta, Mildura, Ararat, Warrnambool and Sale. She wraps up her regional roadshow in Bendigo next week, 24 August.

For the next three weeks, Ms Richardson will also be leading a consultation blitz with specific groups to ensure the strategy benefits all Victorians.

• Small business, innovation and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics): 23 August, 10am-12 noon
• Senior Victorians: 25 August, 10am-12 noon
• Culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians: 25 August, 6pm-7.30pm
• Young Victorians (13-24): 26 August, 4pm-6pm
• Leaders for gender equality: 8 September, 9am-12.30pm
• Corporate leaders: 8 September, 1pm-3.30pm
• Media, entertainment and the arts: 9 September, 9am-11am
• Consultation open to all Victorians: 9 September, 1pm-3pm

Ms Richardson has already consulted with Aboriginal Victorians, Victorians with a disability and the LGBTI community.

The Gender Equality Strategy aims to embed equality within as many private and public organisations as possible and push for change at the Commonwealth level.

It is also part of Victoria’s response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence, which found that violence against women begins with bad attitudes towards women.

For more information see http://dpc.vic.gov.au/index.php/news-publications/gender-equality-have-your-say

For any queries or to register for any of the sessions, please email genderequality@dpc.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Fiona Richardson

“This strategy is for all Victorians. Equality improves the lives of women and men, boys and girls, and the Victorian economy.”

“This government believes in gender equality for men and women. A good deal for women and girls means more jobs, improved safety and a better state for all of us.”

“We want Victorians to help us form a strategy that makes us the best state supporting women and men to lead the lives they want without being held back because of their gender.”