Women being urged to run for local council election, as COVID-19 disproportionately affects them
More women are being urged to stand in the October council elections and close the gender gap in local governments, amid concerns COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting women.
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More women are being urged to stand in the October council elections and close the gender gap in local governments, amid concerns COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting women.
Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West has warned recent gains made on women’s representation in local councils may be affected by the extra burden placed on women in domestic roles by to COVID-19.
WHWBSW chief executive Emma Mahony said she hoped women would not be discouraged from running for council elections because of this extra burden.
“Women are at the front line around responding, so they are disproportionately represented in healthcare, caring roles and education, but they’re also managing the additional load (at home),” Ms Mahony said.
“Adding home school to working from home has created real challenges and it’s being carried again mostly by women.
“Diversity at the leadership table, we know equals better decision making, we know it equals better governance, we know that it equals a better bottom line. So we want diversity at the leadership table, we want more women in local government.”
The state government has set a target of 50 per cent women councillors and mayors in local government by 2025.
Corangamite MP and former Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Coker said just 25 per cent of G21 local government representatives are women.
“Data (from the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre and the Workplace Gender Equality Agency) show that when women have a seat at the decision-making table, the outcomes are better — better for business, better for the economy and better for everyone,” Ms Coker said.
“You can’t be what you can’t see. It’s vital that local women seriously consider putting themselves forward as a candidate.
“I’m concerned that due to COVID-19, women who may have otherwise put their hand up, might shy away from doing so.
“In these extraordinary times, where COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting women, it is more vital than ever that women’s voices are heard.”
Women in Local Democracy convener Jeni Wills said women should not be dissuaded from running.
“WILD is keen to see closing of the gender gap on councils, moving local government closer to the achievement of the statewide target of 50/50 representation of women and men councillors by 2025,” Ms Wills said.
Nominations for candidates to contest next month’s council elections close on September 22.
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Originally published as Women being urged to run for local council election, as COVID-19 disproportionately affects them