ACT Minister for Women Yvette Berry today released the Third Action Plan under the ACT Women’s Plan 2016-2026, which aims to achieve gender equality for women and girls.

The Third Action Plan acknowledges the complexity of gender-based discrimination and the need for society-wide change.

“Women and girls continue to face barriers in modern society,” Ms Berry said. “By working together and taking meaningful action, we can ensure better outcomes for everyone.”

The Plan covers health and wellbeing, safety and inclusion, leadership and workforce participation, housing and homelessness, and appropriate and accessible services.

Initiatives include:

• Progressing a health and wellbeing guide for women and girls, informed by the Ministerial Advisory Council on Women and in collaboration with non-government partners. 
• Respectful relationships education through the Gender Equity in Schools Initiative in ACT public schools. 
• Running Understanding Building and Construction as a sustainable program in schools. 
• Encouraging women and girls to consider careers in space. 
• Helping women at risk to own their homes by funding the Ginninderry Women’s Build-to-Rent-to-Buy housing initiative. 

The first two action plans created Female Friendly Facility guidelines for sportsgrounds; established a new screening tool for women’s safety and intimate partner violence by peri-natal screening units; piloted the ‘Understanding the Building and Construction Industry’ program for girls across four schools; established the Gender Equity in Schools team; developed Gender Sensitive Urban Design Guidelines; and constructed Common Ground in Dickson, providing housing for women.

“There has been significant progress since the roll out of the previous action plans and momentum is continuing,” Ms Berry said. “There is more work to be done.”

“Women’s health and wellbeing depends on our ability to participate freely in public life, to move safely in community and family spaces, and to access services without discrimination, stigma, or barriers,” Lauren Anthes, CEO of Women’s Health Matters ACT, said.

“As our recent survey of Women’s Health in the ACT shows, this is far from the case for all or even most women, but we can make improvements in each of these areas, which is why we welcome the launch of this action plan.”

The Third Action Plan was developed after extensive government and community consultation.