City of Greater Geelong, Victoria, has released the Ba-gurrk Gender Equity Framework to inform the development of an action plan which will ensure all of the City’s policies, plans, services and programs commit to gender equity principles.
Ba-gurrk is Wadawurrung for woman, and was incorporated in the framework title to pay homage to Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.
The Gender Equity Framework addresses gender equity as a community and organisational issue and will guide the City’s community based activities and responses, as well as internal policies and procedures.
It builds on the work and recommendations of the Women in Community Life Advisory Committee and the City of Greater Geelong’s Family Violence Action Group.
The framework was developed in consultation with community members, government and non-government organisations and City employees.
Now open for broader consultation, the aim is to take this feedback and develop an action plan that will ensure all policies, plans, services and programs developed by the City are committed to gender equity principles to achieve a fair and inclusive community.
Acting Mayor Peter Murrihy, said, “This is an important document guiding Council and the organisation as we work towards gender equity.
“I urge the whole community to provide their feedback – creating a culture of respect and equality needs to involve individuals, families, businesses, communities, sporting groups and the media.”
The City has also identified the need to address its small numbers of women in leadership and management positions.
Achieving gender equity has emerged as a community priority as recognition of how it contributes to a civil, safe and healthy society is increasing.
Chair, An Inclusive and Diverse Community portfolio, Councillor Sarah Mansfield, said, “I’m really pleased the City is working towards this action plan.
“If we’re serious as a community about ending gender based violence, then it starts with addressing gender inequality at home, in the workplace, in sports and in schools.”
