Australia’s biggest corporate powerhouses and community leaders will this week help the Andrews Labor Government develop the state’s first ever Gender Equality Strategy.
Tech leaders, big banks and infrastructure giants will join other big businesses and community leaders at two forums on Thursday 8 September, to help set the Labor Government’s blueprint for gender equality in Victoria.
The strategy, to be released this year, aims to embed equality and respect for women and men within as many public and private organisations as possible. It will also push for change at a Commonwealth level.
The forums will use innovative technology to help our corporate and community leaders give the Government a collective check list for action at the end of the sessions.
It is also part of the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence, which found that violence against women begins with bad attitudes towards women.
Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson has lead consultations for the gender equality strategy in towns across regional Victoria and with specific groups.
She has visited Bendigo, Ararat, Warrnambool, Sale, Shepparton, Mildura and Wangaratta, and consulted:
- Aboriginal Victorians
- Victorians with a disability
- LGBTIQ Victorians
- Senior Victorians
- Small business, innovation and STEM
- Culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- Young Victorians.
Ms Richardson will this week also host forums for leaders in gender equality, media, entertainment and the arts, and host an open-invitation forum for all Victorians.
For any queries or to register for the session, please email genderequality@dpc.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Fiona Richardson
“Our CEOs, chairs of boards and senior community leaders are helping change attitudes towards women – not only at work but across all of society.”
“Gender equality makes economic sense. Allowing all Victorians to reach their potential is good for individuals, business and the rest of the state.”
“We’re aiming to set the agenda for gender equality in this country, and I want our corporate and community leaders to help us develop the right solutions.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020