What is Gender Equality?
Gender equality is when people of all genders have equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities. Everyone is affected by gender inequality - women, men, trans and gender diverse people, children and families and it impacts people of all ages and backgrounds.
Gender equality prevents violence against women and girls and is essential for economic prosperity. Societies that value women and men as equal are safer and healthier. The Victorian Government has made a commitment to removing inequality and their vision is that all Victorians live in a safe and equal society; have equal access to power, resources and opportunities; and are treated with dignity, respect and fairness.
Gender Equality Act 2020
The Gender Equality Act 2020 commenced on 31 March 2021 and requires Councils to take positive action towards achieving gender equality.
Under the Act Council is required to:
- develop and implement a Gender Equality Action Plan which was finalised in April 2022
- promote gender equality in policies, programs and services that impact the public
- complete gender impact assessments in policies, programs and services among the community
- publicly report on our progress.
Gender Impact Assessments
In a further feature of the Gender Equality Act 2020, Council is required to assess new or revised policies, programs or services that have a direct impact on the public, showing how they will provide equal consideration and resources to women, men and gender diverse individuals. Called Gender Impact Assessments, they are becoming a routine part of every business unit’s work.
Consideration of gender in Council planning and service delivery will help to build our community into one where all people are treated with respect, dignity and equal opportunity at home, in paid employment and in the wider community, and where people of all genders may enjoy an equal opportunity to fulfill their aspirations without facing prejudice, discrimination or violence.
How to conduct a gender impact assessment
Gender Impact Assessments may be included in the normal process of planning and developing programs, without any need for additional procedures. Indeed, they are part of what many Council employees and business units are already doing.
Diversity Partners delivered GIA training related to increasing our organisational capacity in September 2021. These sessions provided further information on how to conduct GIAs, the process requirements and relevant templates.
For advice and assistance in developing a GIA please contact Chelsea Hayes in Organisational Development on x5281
1. Discuss the Issues
It’s best to start thinking about gender issues right from the beginning.
- When you start planning your program, consider possible differences in its impacts upon people of different genders. You may wish to speak with people with personal experience, or stakeholders, about gender issues.
- Important topics include the needs, preferences, perceptions and experiences of women and men, as well as differences in access, owing to cost, transport, safety, child-care and other matters.
- You may also consider the influence of age, ability, Indigenous status, culture, religion or other characteristics, as you might in planning any program.
- Finally, consider what evidence may be required to investigate these possibilities, including how women will be consulted in this process.
2. Obtain Evidence
Learn about differences between women and men, or at least about women, in their needs, preferences, circumstances and access to the program.
Sources of this evidence may include:
- Discussions with clients, residents, advisory committees, community reps or service providers.
- Surveys or existing staff knowledge.
- Service usage among people or communities targeted by the program.
- Information about broad social conditions.
3. Prepare a Report with Recommendations
Determine how you will design or revise your program in light of your evidence.
Prepare a short, simple report, featuring:
- A brief outline of the program.
- A summary of the gender issues which were considered.
- An outline of the findings of your consultations or other inquiries into these issues.
- Recommended features of the program to meet the needs of people of different genders.
A Gender Impact Assessment (GIA) is a tool used to examine how people of different genders may be affected by a policy, program
