Report sets path for gender equality in WA

The State Government has received a report which looked into the issues and challenges around gender equality in Western Australia.

  • Government-backed landmark report into gender equality released

  • Committee for Perth Filling the Pool report will help guide policy

The State Government has received a report which looked into the issues and challenges around gender equality in Western Australia.

Speaking at the launch of the Committee for Perth's Filling The Pool report, Women's Interest Minister Liza Harvey said the findings would be helpful in developing Government policy.

"Achieving full gender equality requires the support and participation of governments, business and individuals," Mrs Harvey said.

"The Government recognises the opportunities and benefits of enhancing women's participation in the Western Australian economy and community and will examine the report in detail."

The Minister said the Government had already implemented a series of initiatives to help bridge the gap in gender equality in WA.

"The Liberal National Government recently held its inaugural Women's Consultative Forum where it brought together leaders in business, training and academia to the same table," she said.

"The series of forums will form the primary mechanism for the way the Government receives advice and develops strategies to influence policies to attract young women into skilled trades and STEM educational streams and careers.

"The Filling The Pool report and its finding will complement and build on the work being done by the forum."

Mrs Harvey recently announced a scholarship program to encourage women into trade and industry areas with low female participation, committing $1.2 million over four years for the program.

"These scholarships will provide new opportunities for women to carry out training in a range of trade and industry areas including agriculture, automotive, aviation, construction, food, electrical, engineering, maritime and telecommunications," she said.

Fact File

  • STEM education streams: science, technology, engineering and mathematics

  • The State Government co-sponsored the Filling the Pool research and had a representative on the steering committee

  • The Government's second Women's Consultative Forum will be held this month

  • The full report is available at http://www.committeeforperth.com.au

Minister's office - 6552 5900