City chosen for gender equity pilot

THE City of Greater Geelong has been chosen as one of 10 councils to participate in the state government’s gender equality program pilot.

Over a three-month period, the Gender Equality Bill Implementation Pilot will see the council change the way the plan and deliver policies and services to try to improve gender equality.

The city’s director of people and culture Kaarina Phyland said this was indicative of a broader attitude held by the council.

“The City of Greater Geelong is committed to creating a fair and equitable workplace for all employees, including women.”

The pilot will look to increase gender equality largely through an analysis toolkit that is designed to ensure that women, men and gender non-binary individuals are consulted for major decisions.

The council’s social inclusion portfolio chair Cr Sarah Mansfield said the city was eager to see a wider range of people contribute.

“It is critical councils shift their thinking, so the needs of all people are considered in important decision making.

“As an eager adopter of innovative ideas, the city has already embraced the pilot in two current programs. The teams’ findings will make a difference in policy making and planning in the Victorian public sector, universities and local councils in the future.”

The city also envisages the pilot informing the implementation of its Ba-gurrk Gender Equity Framework.

Ms Phyland said the framework, adopted last year, “addresses gender equity as a governance, community and organisational issue and will provide a guide to develop, implement and monitor actions”.