INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day is an important opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women in our society.<\/p>\n
It is also a chance to reflect on what more needs to be done and the battles yet to be won in the struggle for gender equality.<\/p>\n
As a member of the Andrews Labor Government, I am proud the Victorian Government is investing in services to support and improve the lives of women and girls across Ballarat and our region.<\/p>\n
Ballarat has a long and impressive history of remarkable women standing up to represent our community including Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, and former Member for Western Victoria, Jaala Pulford.<\/p>\n
It is so important that women step up and speak out; ensuring that our voices are not only heard but listened to and acted on.<\/p>\n
The theme for International Women\u2019s Day 2023 is \u201cCracking the code: Innovation for a gender equal future\u201d and I am proud to be a member of the Andrews Labor Government that is committed to gender equity and challenging the status quo.<\/p>\n
From our first-ever Gender Equality Strategy to Australia\u2019s first Gender Equality Act, Victoria is leading the nation on gender equality.<\/p>\n
The Andrews Labor Government respects women and recognises the important contribution women make to Victoria.<\/p>\n
In the Parliament of Victoria, 48 per cent of MPs are women and, in our cabinet, 64 per cent of Victorian Ministers are women.<\/p>\n
The Labor Party values women, and proudly boasts that 54 per cent of Labor MPs are women.<\/p>\n
Many of this Government\u2019s progressive reforms have been led by strong women ministers sitting at the cabinet table.<\/p>\n
These reforms include wage theft, medicinal cannabis, workplace manslaughter, free TAFE, and voluntary assisted dying, renewable energy laws as well as the world-first Royal Commission into family violence.<\/p>\n
Having women in significant leadership roles changes conversations and outcomes, as different perspectives and experiences are considered.<\/p>\n
More women are being supported to thrive in their careers, with the Andrews Labor Government\u2019s investment in leadership programs that aim to address the structural barriers to leadership roles.<\/p>\n
By improving the representation of women in leadership, we are ensuring that our institutions better reflect the diversity of our communities.<\/p>\n
The Andrews Labor Government understands when there are more women at the decision-making table, better decisions are made.<\/p>\n
That is why we have gender parity on paid government boards. We are also committed to ensuring 50 per cent of all new appointments to Victorian boards and courts will be women.<\/p>\n
Further, because you can\u2019t be what you can\u2019t see, it is so important that we have strong role models for the future generations of Victorian girls and women.<\/p>\n
The Andrews Labor Government are continuing to invest in programs and services to improve gender equality and ending gendered violence, alongside a suite of other initiatives to support women\u2019s economic security.<\/p>\n
Despite the many gains that have been made for women and girls in Victoria, there is still a long way to go to achieve gender equality. Our work is not over yet!<\/p>\n
Happy International Women\u2019s Day!<\/p>\n