Victoria launches Gender Equality Strategy

GENDER audits in government and public sector workplaces will be undertaken as the Victorian Government launched its first Gender Equality Strategy.

GENDER audits in government and public sector workplaces will be undertaken as the Victorian Government launched its first Gender Equality Strategy.

Laws against sexist advertising and gender-based hate speech will also be reviewed after the Government today announced a series of reforms.

Fiona Richardson. Picture: Eugene Hyland

Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson announced initiatives including a Gender Equality Act, a new family violence prevention agency and scholarships to encourage female leadership at a packed event at Melbourne’s Arts Centre.

Gender equality programs in sporting clubs, a women’s heritage centre, a first ever women’s trade delegation to China and promotion of women’s cultural activities, arts and media are also part of the Strategy.

Ms Richardson said “the stakes couldn’t be higher”.

“Men and women deserve to live in a society with safety, equal respect and equal opportunities,” she said.

The Government set aside $9 million for gender equality initiatives in the 2016-17 budget.

The reforms come after the Royal Commission into Family Violence, which found gender inequality was a key driver of family violence.

Every year, family violence costs the Victorian economy more than $3.4 billion.

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