MEDIA RELEASE
14 November 2011
Gender equity goals for Local Government were reaffirmed at a popular State-wide event at Melbourne Town Hall on Wednesday evening, November 9, 2011.
Mayors, councillors, partners in the Women’s Participation in Local Government Coalition, representatives of government agencies and community groups, and citizens from across Victoria celebrated the endorsement by over 60 Victorian Councils of the Local Government Women’s Charter and its principles of gender equity, diversity and active citizenship.
The occasion, attended by 100 guests and hosted by the Deputy Lord Mayor, also launched:
- successful Council models for implementing the Charter’s principles,
- the fourth edition of the highly successful candidate’s kit, A Gender Agenda, and
- a new campaign to boost women candidates in the 2012 elections.
The elections to be held on 27 October 2012 are the focus for a campaign to attract more women to become candidates for local government. Councillor, Samantha Dunn is President of the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) which is leading the State funded Think women for local government 2012 Project.
Cr Dunn, elected in 2005, said she encouraged more women to take part. "Some women I've spoken to think they don't have the skills to do it, but many come from a kinder or a school committee and those are the things that give you the skills you need. I say if you can handle a household you can handle this."
To tackle the challenge of increasing the number of women councillors, the VLGA with funding support and backing from the State Government, has set a target of women candidates in 90% of wards for the 2012 Council elections (this compares with only 75% standing in the last elections).
Victorian women will have the opportunity to attend forums, receive specially designed information packages, forge mentoring and support links, and develop their knowledge and skills.
Also for the first time social media initiatives will be utilized to link candidates and provide them with up to date information.
ENDS
For comment:
Contact VLGA President Cr Samantha Dunn on 0407 364 509 or
Send email