International Women’s Day (IWD), marked around the world on 8 March, is a time to recognise women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements, and to reflect on the continuing work needed to achieve gender equality. The Equal Opportunity Commission (WA) recognises and values the role that IWD plays in keeping this front of mind.
At the Equal Opportunity Commission (WA), equality is at the centre of everything we do. The Equal Opportunity Act 1984 makes our purpose clear: to promote “equality of opportunity in Western Australia and to provide remedies in respect of discrimination on the grounds of sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, family responsibility or family status, race, religious or political conviction, impairment, or age, or involving sexual or racial harassment or, in certain cases, on gender history grounds."
We recognise that each of these grounds shape the way that access and outcomes relating to social, economic, cultural and political participation are experienced by all Western Australian woman. For this reason, IWD serves as an important reminder of our role in encouraging fairness, safety and inclusion in the context of gender equality.
Beyond simple recognition of the significance of IWD, the Commission delivers a range of practical initiatives that demonstrate its concrete commitment to advancing conditions that support women achieving equal access and equality of outcomes in every aspect of life.
Several of these initiatives are:
Respect at Work Training Course
A course that builds understanding of respectful workplace behaviour, with a focus on preventing and responding to sexual harassment. This training has been strengthened and refined over time through extensive collaboration with Main Roads Western Australia.
Know Your Rights: Understanding Discrimination and Harassment for CaLD Communities
An education programme delivered in partnership with the Multicultural Services Centre WA. It included consultation with women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to understand their experiences and needs in relation to living and working within the Australian community. It is offered free to not‑for‑profits, community groups, volunteers, individuals accessing community services and some NGOs.
Young Person’s Mentorship Program.
An initiative that empowers young women and gender-diverse people to recognise, respond to, and challenge discrimination, bullying, and sexual harassment. This relationship‑based programme facilitates deep-learning and focuses on building confidence, connection and long‑term impact.
Stronger Together Implementation Group – WA’s Plan for Gender Equality. As a member of this group, the Commission contributes to the development of the State Government’s Stronger Together Third Action Plan which aims to advance gender equality across the State.
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