The Andrews Labor Government is establishing a Ministerial Council on Women’s Equality to provide expert advice and help implement gender equality across Victoria. Expressions of Interest for the Council open today on International Women’s Day.
The Council for Women’s Equality, will focus on issues including:
- the poverty and isolation of senior women, single mothers and women in caring positions
- childcare initiatives and the accessibility of out of school hours care
- women’s leadership, careers and job opportunities
- closing the gender gap at work, sport and the arts.
Reporting to the Minister for Women and Prevention of Family Violence, the Council will ensure that the voices and experiences of real Victorian women, and experts in their field, shape the direction of reforms.
The Ministerial Council is part of a suite of initiatives announced in Victoria’s first ever Gender Equality Strategy, released in December 2016.
Expressions of Interest for the Council open today and will close on March 31, 2017.
As a part of broader celebrations for International Women’s Day, the Government has developed a new Women’s Calendar of Cultural and Community Events for 2017-18. It recognises the year-long contributions made by women to Victoria’s social, economic and cultural life.
The calendar will include cultural and sporting events – such as the AFL Women’s Grand Final, Women’s Health Week, Girls on Film Festival and many others – as well as the national and international days of significance to women.
The women’s calendar and information about the Ministerial expression of interest process can be found at:
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Fiona Richardson
“The Ministerial Council for Gender Equality will examine the everyday issues and systemic problems that restrict women’s careers, that exclude women from leadership and that contribute to the gender pay gap.”
“The theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Be Bold for Change’. Our Government doesn’t just talk about women’s issues we are unapologetic in the pursuit of gender equality.”
“One day for promoting women is not enough. We need gender equality all year round.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020