The McGowan Government's second action plan under 'Stronger Together: WA's Plan for Gender Equality' was launched today, continuing its commitment to create better outcomes for women and girls and achieve positive change for our whole community.
Stronger Together is the first whole-of-government, long-term plan to advance gender equality in Western Australia and is being led by the Department of Communities through four action plans between 2020-2030.
The launch of the second action plan coincides with the release of the first action plan report for Stronger Together which details progress on 58 actions across priority areas of health and wellbeing, safety and justice, economic independence and leadership.
In keeping with the whole-of-government approach, actions for Stronger Together are being delivered across 16 agencies. In 2020-21, 30 actions were commenced and/or completed alongside a further 24 ongoing or long-term actions. Four actions have been specifically developed in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has highlighted the pre-existing gender inequalities in workplaces and in unpaid work, demonstrating the ongoing need for systemic change.
The launch of the second action plan includes five focus areas to guide the work of Government across the next four years. They include:
- COVID-19 recovery;
- safety and respect at work;
- primary prevention;
- Aboriginal women's leadership; and
- older women.
More than 50 actions are included in the second action plan to support women in our communities including within workplaces, homes, education and training institutions, the justice system and the health system.
A further 17 initiatives are being delivered to support staff and drive cultural change within the public sector.
The second action plan will be updated throughout the next four years as new actions to drive gender equality are developed and progressed.
The Second Action Plan and First Action Plan Report can be viewed online
As stated by Women's Interests Minister Simone McGurk:
"As the Minister for Women's Interests I am committed to driving change that allows women and girls to have equal opportunity in schools, workplaces, at home and in the community.
"Gender equality is important for all Western Australians - there is clear evidence that it brings economic and social benefits to everyone. It empowers our community to achieve a better balance between work and family responsibilities, contributing to improved wellbeing and emotional connection.
"The second action plan will build on the progress achieved during 2020-21 through the first plan and prioritise actions that support gender equality in areas such as health and wellbeing, safety and justice, economic independence and leadership.
"There is no question there is still work to do - COVID-19 highlighted the existing gender inequalities in the workplace and at home and further demonstrates the need for systemic change.
"Achieving long-lasting cultural change takes time and requires commitment from the whole community. It is everyone's responsibility."
