Gender equity addresses the unequal status of diverse groups of men and women, boys and girls and aims to; Reduce disadvantage Improve physical, mental and social health and wellbeing Improve access to safe, respectful and inclusive public facilities, programs and services Reduce health inequalities across diverse communities Reduce barriers to economic participation and access to financial resources In the workplace, gender equity seeks to address barriers to equal workforce participation and eliminate bias based on gender. Higher levels of gender equity at work is proven to; Improve organisational performance Attract the top talent from the whole talent pool Reduce expenses through increased retention Manage risk and anticipate community need more effectively. Diverse teams, ensures diverse ideas. Gender equity is key to ending violence against women. The strongest predicator of high levels of violence against women is unequal power between men and women. International evidence shows where there are high levels of gender equity; Valuing women’s participation and representation and Few economic, social or political differences in power between men and women; there are significantly lower levels of intimate partner and sexual violence. Desired Outcome The City of Whittlesea is inclusive, respectful, fair and safe for people of all genders Gender equity strategy Desired outcome: The City of Whittlesea is inclusive, respectful, fair and safe for people of all genders Objective Strategies The City of Whittlesea is an employer of choice with a respectful organisational culture that: values gender diversity, strives for gender balance and embeds gender equity in all workplace policies, practice and procedures Apply gender lens and embed gender equity within human resource management and organisational culture projects Define, promote and equitably apply flexible/family friendly workplace strategies Address gender equity within leadership groups and in strategic decision making processes Achieve and maintain pay & entitlement equity Review and ensure equity of opportunities for professional development and further study Ensure our workplace is safe, inclusive and culture promotes gender equity
Objective Strategies The City of Whittlesea’s services, programs and policies, are inclusive and gender equitable. Policies and strategic documents will conduct and respond to Gender Equity Analysis Increase use, collection and reporting of sex disaggregated data in services, programs and policy Address gender equity of community consultations across the organisation Apply gender lens to the allocation of the City of Whittlesea’s resources (including community funding, facilities use) Utilise Gender analysis to decrease gendered barriers to participation and increase inclusiveness of City of Whittlesea’s services, groups and programs Objective Strategies The City of Whittlesea’s places and spaces facilitate community connection and are safe, welcoming, respectful and inclusive of all genders Incorporate gender equity principles in design & function of public spaces, community facilities, park and recreation Increase use of gender analysis and sex disaggregated data in planning and advising on the public realm, land use, facilities planning and parks and open space. Facilitate increased gender equitable inclusiveness of community settings Objective Strategies The City of Whittlesea is facilitating equitable opportunities for civic and economic participation and advancing gender equity in our community Utilise media and communication opportunities to promote non-stereotype gender roles and raise awareness of gender equity Provide leadership and advocacy for improved gender equity within local government sector, local community, state and federal government settings Support and facilitate increased representation of women in community and civic leadership positions Facilitate improved opportunities for women’s local economic participation and financial security Implementation Established in November 2013 and chaired by the CEO, the City of Whittlesea Gender Equity Working Group (GEWG) meets bi -monthly and provides leadership and support to embed gender equity principles and practice in the core business of Council. The Gender Equity Working Group has scoped and developed the Gender Equity Strategy through research, benchmarking and consultation with members, internal teams and external experts.