Geelong event to spotlight progress on gender equality

AN EVENT focused on advancing gender equality will take place in Geelong next week, with a keynote address from Victoria’s public sector gender equality commissioner.

Dr Niki Vincent will present the inaugural annual oration of the Empowering Women 50/50 Network, an initiative of the Women in Local Democracy (WILD) group, at the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre on Wednesday, July 9.

Dr Vincent was appointed to role of commissioner following the introduction of the state’s Gender Equality Act in 2020, which requires public sector organisations to conduct workplace gender audits, develop and implement gender equality action plans, and report on their progress.

She was reappointed for another term in September last year, at the time stating she was “sharpening” her focus as a regulator to “reduce the harms that result from gender inequality”, after spending her first four years in the role helping organisations grow their understanding of gender inequality and its impacts.

WILD committee member Jenny Wills said Wednesday’s event offers a great opportunity to hear firsthand of the commission’s role overseeing the implementation of the Gender Equality Act.

Dr Vincent will speak to the commission’s progress and future direction, and discuss key priorities including the gender pay gap, gendered workplace segregation, sexual harassment and the under-representation of women in leadership roles.

“The commission’s vision is for a gender-equal Victoria where everyone, regardless of gender, is treated fairly,” Ms Wills said.

“It is planned for the oration to be [an] annual event that will focus both on gender issues, actions and outcomes and also honour the unique contribution of local women in progressing gender equality in our communities.”

The event is free to attend, but registrations are essential.

For more information, or to book your spot, head to events.grlc.vic.gov.au/event/13786927