Ministers statements: International Women’s Day
Natalie HUTCHINS (Sydenham – Minister for Jobs and Industry, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Minister for Women) (14:10): I rise to update the house on the incredible work Victorian women are doing in celebrating International Women’s Day tomorrow. The Allan Labor government is investing in the women’s grassroots grants program, which has supported 44 local organisations to enact activities that empower women and improve gender equality. I recently visited one of these programs at the Collingwood justice centre. It is called the women behind the wheel program, which is an absolutely incredible program that supports women from culturally diverse backgrounds to have driving lessons in language, opening up opportunities for employment, study and independence. Other projects include the Pasifika women’s health equality project, in the member for Oakleigh’s electorate, which focuses on culturally sensitive health literacy programs, and the Somali Women Shine program in the member for Laverton’s area, where we are challenging the self-limiting beliefs of these women and improving women’s health and economic participation. The grassroots program recognises that local organisations and individuals are best placed to respond to the barriers women are experiencing in their own communities.
‘Count her in’ is this year’s theme for International Women’s Day, and it rightly identifies women’s economic participation as an essential part of breaking down gender barriers. This reinforces the Victorian gender equality strategy Our Equal State, which was launched last year. From the Best Start, Best Life programs to supporting women entering traditionally male-dominated industries and addressing the gender pay gaps that exist, this side of the house will not stop supporting women in their growth. That is what happens when you have a majority of women in your party, and of course we have more women on our front bench than the Liberal Party have in their party room.
The SPEAKER: Before I call the Leader of the Opposition for the next question, can I acknowledge in the gallery the former member for Essendon and former Speaker the Honourable Judy Maddigan.