The ACT Government encourages the community to share their views on improving gender equity in the ACT as preparations begin for the third and final action plan of the ACT Women’s Plan 2016-26.

The ACT Women’s Plan sets out how the ACT Government, the public, and the community and private sector can work together towards equity for women and girls. The final version of the plan will be launched in 2023.

Radhika Chaudhri, a member of the Ministerial Advisory Council on Women, said: “The Third Action Plan continues and builds on the important work of the First and Second Action Plans. The TAP targets the priorities identified by the community, such as safety, housing, women’s and girls’ health, and women’s participation in the workforce. The input from community organisations and women across the ACT helps drive change and informs the areas where we can make a real difference.”

Minister for Women Yvette Berry said the ACT Government has a strong commitment to removing barriers to enable women and girls to reach their full potential.

“The full participation of women and girls in all aspects of society is critical to the wellbeing of our entire community,” Ms Berry said. “I am inviting the community to have their say on what actions we should prioritise in the Third Action Plan to improve the lives of women and girls.

“I want the Third Action Plan to be informed by diverse experiences, and I encourage participation by people of all genders, ages, sexuality, cultural backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with disability.

“There will be many opportunities to share your views. You can connect with a local community organisation or get together with a group of friends, colleagues, neighbours, or your family for a guided community conversation. You can also complete an online survey or make a submission.”

The government’s efforts and conversations with the community explore five focus areas:

•           Health and wellbeing

•           Safety and inclusion

•           Leadership and workforce participation

•           Housing and homelessness

•           Appropriate and accessible services.

These themes build on actions already underway across the ACT Government as part of its commitment to delivering equality for women and girls in the ACT.

Some of the more recent actions delivered under the Second Action Plan include:

•           Endorsing the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

•           Reforming Safer Families and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs.

•           Delivering Common Ground in Dickson to increase affordable housing.

•           Expanding early support for children and families in the first 1000 days of life.

•           Launching MindMap to support young people seeking mental health and wellbeing services.

•           Providing access to safe, accessible, and affordable abortion services in the ACT.

•           Upgrading sports grounds across Canberra to make sports facilities female friendly.

•           Committing to a women-led ACT Government capital works project at Strathnairn school.

•           Boosting women’s participation in the construction industry aimed at girls in high schools.

•           Developing gender sensitive urban design principles for developing public infrastructure.

•           Supporting women entrepreneurs through the Canberra Innovation Network.

For more information or to have your say, visit the Your Say Conversations website.