Our equal state is Victoria’s first state gender equality action plan (GEAP), as required under the Gender Equality Act 2020 (the Act). [1]
The Act is the first of its kind in Australia and it is recognised globally as leading workplace gender equality legislation. It’s the strongest tool available to us to make meaningful change towards a gender equal Victoria, and beyond.
Victoria’s GEAP is our framework for coordinated action to build the attitudinal, behavioural, structural and normative change required to improve gender equality. It is based on the principles set out in the Act: [2]
- All Victorians should live in a safe and equal society, have access to equal power, resources and opportunities and be treated with dignity, respect and fairness.
- Gender equality benefits all Victorians regardless of gender.
- Gender equality is a human right and precondition to social justice.
- Gender equality brings significant economic, social and health benefits for Victoria.
- Gender equality is a precondition for the prevention of family violence and other forms of violence against women and girls.
- Advancing gender equality is a shared responsibility across the Victorian community.
- All human beings, regardless of gender, should be free to develop their personal abilities, pursue their professional careers and make choices about their lives without being limited by gender stereotypes, gender roles or prejudices.
- Gender inequality may be compounded by other forms of disadvantage or discrimination that a person may experience on the basis of Aboriginality, age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and other attributes.
- Women have historically experienced discrimination and disadvantage on the basis of sex and gender.
- Special measures may be necessary to achieve gender equality.
We will track our progress towards gender equality in Victoria in line with the Act. We will report back to parliament every 2 years, using the outcomes framework in this strategy.
The Baseline report – 2021 workplace gender audit data analysis, published by the Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector, informs Our equal state. The Baseline report provides an overview of gender inequality in the Victorian public sector. It helps us understand the challenges and gaps and where to focus to improve gender equality.
References
[1] Victorian Government, Gender Equality Act 2020, section 50, Victorian Government, 2020. https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/as-made/acts/gender-equality-act-2020
[2] Victorian Government, Gender Equality Act 2020, section 6, Victorian Government, 2020. https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/as-made/acts/gender-equality-act-2020
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