On the eve of International Women’s Day, there’s cause for celebration when it comes to gender equity and local government leadership.
It was announced last Friday that Mary Lalios – a Councillor at the City of Whittlesea in the state’s outer northern suburbs – had been elected as President of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).
This is the first time a woman has been voted into the position for a full term (women have previously acted in the role).
The election garnered some controversy in recent months when the MAV’s Acting President, Councillor Coral Ross, was prevented from running after her council Boroondara did not endorse her.
Although there were accusations of gender discrimination levelled at this decision, the cross-section of nominees running for the Association’s presidency proved quite gender diverse: three out of five candidates were women.
Overall, three women were elected to the Association’s board out of a total 13 positions.
There is more good news for gender equity elsewhere in Victoria: Kathryn Arndt recently took over the Chief Executive Officer role at the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) and Councillor Marg Attley was voted the Association’s President.
The President of Victoria’s LGPro – the association for local government managers – is Rebecca McKenzie, who is Chief Executive Officer at Glen Eira City Council.
However, there is still room for improvement, said Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) Victorian President, Helen Coleman.
“It is disappointing that the MAV board elections has resulted in only three women being elected from 13 positions.
“When we see the Victorian State government taking ground-breaking initiatives to have gender equality on their government boards, which is now at 49 per cent, it is back to the dark old cobweb days of less women on the MAV Board,” Ms Coleman said.
Tomorrow, many councils will celebrate the annual International Women’s Day, which is recognised internationally on March 8.
Surf Coast Shire in Victoria’s southwest is hosting a panel session discussing gender equity, with guests including comedy writer Catherine Deveny.
Deputy Mayor Carol McGregor said addressing gendered issues is of ongoing importance to the Council.
“According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2016, it’s estimated it will take 170 years to achieve gender parity in the workplace.
“This really isn’t good enough. As a Council, we want to drive change to create a better working world for all girls and women in our community.”
At Mildura Rural City Council, all staff will be encouraged to wear the colours green, purple and white – the official colours of the day – as a simple show of solidarity for female co-workers.
“This is a good way to raise awareness within Council and the broader community of the gender gap that still exists, and how far we still have to go,” said Councillor for Community Wellbeing and Services, Ali Cupper.
“It’s also a great way to celebrate the achievements of women across a broad range of areas, including the social, economic, cultural and political spheres.”
