The City of Greater Geelong has celebrated its ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for women and gender diverse people with the launch of its Gender Equality Action Plan.

The plan relates to both internal City processes and the way it creates policies and delivers programs and services to the community and follows the introduction of gender equality legislation by the Victorian Government.

An Australian first, the Victorian Government’s Gender Equality Act 2020 will create a framework that will improve gender equality and improved representation of women, gender non-binary people and people of all genders, diverse backgrounds and experiences.

The City has supported many initiatives over the years to improve gender equality including working to eliminate men’s violence against women and children, along with improving the ways that women can participate in all levels of society.

This extends to increasing representation on Council as well as other leadership opportunities across the region’s workforce.

The Greater Geelong City Council currently has four women serving as councillors and is committed to supporting state government initiatives that aim for 50/50 representation by 2025.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Niki Vincent, Commissioner for Gender Equality in the Public Sector, outlined how a Gender Equality Action Plan can provide a guide to develop, implement and monitor actions that support all members of the community.

The Gender Equality Action Plan was developed in response to the Victorian Government’s Gender Equality Act 2020.

Greater Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy;

With Victoria being the first state in Australia to have legislation of this nature, it’s wonderful to think that we are at the forefront of creating a more inclusive and equitable community.

It’s vital that everyone across the City has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life, and the adoption of the Gender Equality Action Plan can play a part in making that a reality.

The Action Plan will go a long way to promoting equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities throughout the community.

Cr Sarah Mansfield, chair of the Diversity, Inclusion and LGBTIQ+ portfolio;

This really is ground-breaking, and we are entering a new era with the adoption of this framework.

Applying a gender inclusive lens means we will be able to transform the way we work with each other.

It’s exciting to be a part of a community that strives to ensure that every person has the same access to programs, services and particularly leadership opportunities.

View the Gender Equality Action Plan.