Monday, 21 January 2008
Victorians urged to help set agenda for equality
Victorians are urged to tell federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick what the priorities should be for creating more equality between women and men during a national ‘Listening Tour’ she embarks on in Victoria today.
Commissioner Broderick is in Victoria this week providing Victorians with the chance to help shape her agenda for achieving equality between women and men over the next five years.
"I really want to hear from as many sections of Australian society as possible so I will be meeting with a broad range of business, community and employee groups whose input will inform the next five years of my term as Commissioner,” she said.
“There are a number of themes that I am keen to discuss, for example, how can we achieve real economic independence for women?
"How can we best support women and men to balance their work and family lives? And, importantly, how we can build an Australian society free from discrimination, harassment and violence?"
The ‘Listening Tour’ also includes a companion virtual tour, which features an interactive website including a blog, case studies and videos. There is also a regular diary entry from the Commissioner on her findings as the tour progresses, which will be an invaluable asset for those who can’t get to a consultation, those who simply want to hear what she is finding out and for journalists keen to plot the tour. The ‘Listening Tour’ can be found online at www.humanrights.gov.au/listeningtour/
Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, Dr Helen Szoke, has encouraged Victorians to attend Commissioner Broderick’s ‘Listening Tour’ forums.
“In our recent study of women, rights and equality, Victorian women told us that life is challenging, hectic and stressful, and that they are unhappy with the stereotyped portrayal of women as highly sexualised or as a ‘super-woman,” Dr Szoke said.
“The ‘Listening Tour’ forums offer a valuable opportunity for Victorians to have their say on how we can address these unique challenges.
“Victoria has a strong history of standing up for women’s rights. Pay equity, successful work/life balance, and the elimination of sexual harassment and discrimination are goals that we must continue to strive for,” she said.
A major ‘Listening Tour’ consultation is being held on Thursday, 24 January from 9.30-11.30 am at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission offices (level 3, 380 Lonsdale Street Melbourne). RSVPs are essential on 02 9284 9861. Media are welcome to attend at the end of the forum.
An audio file of this media release featuring broadcast quality quotes from Ms Broderick can also be downloaded at www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/audio_grab/071126_liz.mp3
Media contact: Paul Oliver on (02) 9284 9880 or 0408 469 347
Upcoming 'Listening Tour' dates: Victoria: 22-24 January; ACT: 5-6 February; Western Australia: 17-21 March; Northern Territory: 24-28 March; and Queensland: 14-18 April.
