The Australian Office for Women has called for people across the country to have their say on gender equality and help inform the creation and development of a national strategy.
Opening the consultation, the Federal Minister for Women, Senator Katy Gallagher said the Office’s survey and discussion paper would inform the development of the National Strategy to Achieve Gender Equality.
“Over the years, Australia has made great progress towards gender equality, however there is evidence that in a number of areas progress is slowing or has stalled,” Senator Gallagher said.
“It is clear that gender inequality is not only holding women back, but is a brake on our progress as a country.”
She said the Office’s recently released Status of Women Report Card illustrated the challenges women and girls in Australia faced throughout their life span, across education, health, housing, economic, safety and wellbeing outcomes and gender norms.
Senator Gallagher said the report card highlighted key challenges that would be addressed in the National Strategy – due to be released in the second half of this year.
“The Strategy will guide action to make Australia one of the best countries in the world for gender equality,” the Minister for Women said.
“Gender equality impacts everyone,” she said.
“We want to hear diverse voices and understand the priorities of people across Australia.”
Senator Gallagher said the consultation, open until 19 April, would allow people to answer questions about what mattered to them in their own voice.
She said organisations would also have the chance to participate in the consultation, guided by a discussion paper to spark conversations in homes, workplaces, schools, communities and among friends on gender equality.
Further information on the consultation and how to have a say can be accessed at this PS News link.
