Greater Geelong is proud to be one of 10 Victorian councils championing an innovative gender equality pilot program.
The City has received funding from the Victorian Government to apply a gender lens to planning, policy and service delivery over a three-month period.
A specially-designed analysis toolkit will be used to ensure women, men and gender non-binary individuals are considered in important decision making.
The Gender Equality Bill Implementation Pilot is part of the Victorian Government's preparation for the Gender Equality Bill, which remains subject to parliament approval.
Of particular value to the pilot are community-facing projects.
The City will use the toolkit to guide the Arts and Culture Marketing Strategy and assist open space planning in growth areas.
The toolkit, supplied by the Office for Women, encourages deliberate thought about the unique needs of different genders.
Our findings will be presented in a report in March and used to shape guidance materials to accompany future legislation.
The pilot will also play a key role in the implementation of the City's Ba-gurrk Gender Equity Framework, which was adopted in 2019.
Greater Geelong Mayor Cr Stephanie Asher
To be chosen amongst the 10 councils in Victoria to trial this important initiative is a real coup.
It's important that everyone has the same access to decision making processes, resources, economic and social opportunities.
Cr Sarah Mansfield - Social Inclusion portfolio chair
It's critical councils shift their thinking so the needs of all people are considered in important decision making.
As an eager adopter of innovative ideas, the City has already embraced the pilot in two current programs. The teams' findings will make a difference in policy making and planning in the Victorian public sector, universities and local councils in the future.
