Women in the Greater Geelong region are being encouraged to apply for a new Victorian Government leadership program that aims to increase the number of women being elected as local councillors.
The Women Leading Locally program aims to address gender inequality in local government and help achieve the Victorian Government’s target of 50 per cent female mayors and councillors by 2025.
The City of Greater Geelong is one of 30 municipalities where women remain under-represented, with four women out of 11 Councillors.
The program will be delivered by the Institute of Community Directors Australia. It will help women develop leadership skills, provide ongoing mentoring and equip women with the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful local government campaign.
Women can attend an inspiring seminar on the program in Geelong from 5pm to 8pm on Wednesday 8 June (at a venue to be confirmed).
There are 60 places available for the program’s first intake in 2022, with 120 places offered in total. Women who are Aboriginal, live with disability or identify as LGBTQI+ are encouraged to apply.
Women in Community Life Advisory Committee Chair Councillor Belinda Moloney, said the network builds on the work being done across the City to deliver on the goals of the Ba-gurrk Gender Equity Framework.
“The program will empower women from Greater Geelong, equipping them with the connections and tools to help them nominate for the next local council elections in 2024, while breaking down the barriers often encountered when entering politics” Cr Moloney said.
“I strongly urge women of all leadership experience levels to consider engaging in local government elections, either as a candidate or supporting the women that nominate.
“Creating a culture of respect and equality means involving women in all decision making, from politics, to sporting clubs, businesses and the media.”
“We’re continuing to push for more diverse participation across the City both in employment and in elected positions.”
Councillor Kylie Grzybek said it is important to increase the diversity of people represented on council. “This leadership program is an important step towards closing the gender gap at the 2024 Victorian Council elections,” Cr Grzybek said.
“Women’s leadership qualities transfer well into political office and our community benefits from having more women in council chambers.”
Applications for the program open on 12 May. Priority will be given to women who aspire to standing for local council election in 2024.
