The latest report on gender equality in the ACT has been released, finding that progress continues to be made.
Minister for Women, Yvette Berry said the Statement on the Status of Women charted progress since the release of the ACT Women’s Plan 2016-26.
“The Government has been working with the community to break down barriers and create pathways for women to achieve their personal and professional ambitions,” Ms Berry said.
“The ACT has achieved 48 per cent of positions on ACT Government boards and committees held by women, one of the best statistics nationally,” she said.
“The ACT Legislative Assembly has also achieved equity with 13 of the 25, or 52 per cent of Representatives, being women.”
She said sporting organisations funded by the Government were working to achieve the goal of 40 per cent female representation on their boards and she remained positive about the change this dynamic would bring to the sporting arena.
“Government services are working to recruit women in historically male-dominated roles,” Ms Berry said.
“This year women represented 40 per cent of applicants for custodial positions in ACT Corrective Services, an increase of 10 per cent on last year and 18 per cent since 2014,” she said.
“Work continues towards the 50-50 recruitment target in ACT Fire and Rescue with a current rate of 22 per cent women as at 2018. The female workforce participation rate is amongst the highest in the world at almost 67 per cent.”
The Minister said more training and support was being offered than ever before to encourage greater representation of women in leadership and board positions, and through the work of the new Family Safety Hub, the Government was continuing its work in addressing domestic and family violence.
The 13-page Ministerial Statement can be accessed at this PS News link.
