- Published:
- Wednesday 10 February 2016
On the first International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Victorians are being urged to share their view on gender equality for Victoria’s first Gender Equality Strategy.
The Andrews Labor Government welcomes the efforts of the United Nations Member States in dedicating an annual International Day to recognise the critical role women and girls play in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Minister for Women Fiona Richardson said it was a welcome move by the UN, as women still struggle to find equality and battle gender stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated workforces.
Any Victorians who want a voice in the Government’s Gender Equality Consultation Paper are urged to put a submission to the consultation – which has now be extended to close on Friday 18 March 2016.
The Consultation Paper will form the basis of the Gender Equality Strategy, which will be released later this year and aims to eradicate gender-based stereotypes and further expose the fundamental link between gender inequality and violence against women.
As part of the consultation, Victorians are invited to write a letter, send an email or simply post on social media sharing the hashtag #vicforwomen to give their views.
For more information on the Strategy and how to take part please visit www.dpc.vic.gov.au/index.php/news-publications/gender-equality-have-you….
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Fiona Richardson
“We must encourage young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths disciplines to challenge gender stereotypes and the gender pay gap.”
“I urge all Victorians to have their say on gender equality. This Consultation Paper will be an important first step in our strategy to shine a light on unacceptable inequality in our society and give the community a chance to tell government the difference they want to see.”
Quotes from the Lead Scientist of Victoria Dr Leonie Walsh
“I welcome the UN’s decision to dedicate an annual International Day to celebrate the vital role that women play and the important contributions they have made to the scientific community.”
“To affect the cultural change we need to be unbroken in our support for women who are in leadership roles, we need to encourage those who are establishing their careers and we need to promote the learning of all disciplines to young girls.”