Forum promotes women in leadership

Women from across the Barwon region are being encouraged to learn more about local government and pathways into council leadership at a free Geelong forum later this month. Photo: Ellie Claringbold.

A GEELONG forum later this month will highlight opportunities for women to play a greater role in local government and the decisions that shape their communities.

The 30 June event comes as councils across Victoria work towards the state’s target of achieving equal representation of men and women in local government by 2028.

Hosted by Geelong councillor Melissa Cadwell, the forum will bring together local government leaders to discuss council life, community leadership and pathways into elected office.

Speakers include City of Greater Geelong chief executive Ali Wastie, Surf Coast mayor Libby Stapleton, Golden Plains deputy mayor Emma Robbins, Geelong councillor Elise Wilkinson and Linda Bennett from 1000 Women Standing.

Attendees will also witness the signing of a partnership agreement between the City of Greater Geelong and Women in Local Democracy (WILD), which aims to strengthen collaboration on gender equality initiatives across the Barwon region.

All Victorian councils are required to report to the Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner on actions being taken to achieve gender parity by 2028.

WILD president Jenny Wills said the forum would reinforce the importance of embedding gender equality across all aspects of community life while strengthening regional relationships to help achieve the parity goal.

The free forum will be held from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Tuesday 30 June at the Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct in Geelong.

Registrations is required before 26 June via geelong.link/WomenLocalLeadership