CALD Victorians To Help Form Gender Equality Strategy

Culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians are being invited to help shape Victoria’s first ever Gender Equality Strategy.

Minister for Women Fiona Richardson is leading consultations across the state so as many Victorians as possible can help set the Andrews Labor Government’s blueprint for gender equality.

Next week, Ms Richardson will lead a session in partnership with the Victorian Multicultural Commission on how gender inequality affects culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians, and how equality could be improved.

The session is part of a three-week consultation blitz with specific groups, including:

• Bendigo regional consultation: 24 August, 6pm-7.30pm
• 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 and led consultations in Shepparton, Wangaratta, Mildura, Ararat, Warrnambool and Sale.

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

“People can experience gender inequality differently. A solution that works for one group of people might not work for another.”

“We want our gender equality strategy to be useful for all Victorians, reflecting the community it serves.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott

“Our diversity is our strength. We want a gender equality strategy that helps Victorians of diverse backgrounds reach their potential, regardless of their gender.”