Victoria’s first ever peak body for gender equity, women’s health and the prevention of violence against women has successfully elected a new Board of Governance to drive the strategic direction of the peak.
Appointed Chair of the Board was Kit McMahon, having over two decades worth of senior executive and Board experience, and a strong commitment to gender equity, women’s health and the prevention of violence against women.
Non-Executive Director appointments included: Leah Van Poppel, Chief Executive Officer of Women with Disabilities Victoria; Helen Riseborough, Chief Executive Officer of Women’s Health in the North; Emma Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer of Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West; and Tricia Currie, Chief Executive Officer of Women’s Health Loddon Mallee; with a further four skill-based Board appointments to be co-opted from new membership.
In the past year, GEN VIC has gone from strength to strength. Launching in April 2018, GEN VIC has very quickly established itself as a peak body of great value and credibility in Victoria. Membership has grown exponentially, expanding to organisations, and individuals, who share GEN VIC’s vision for equality, wellbeing and freedom from violence for every woman and girl in every community of Victoria.
“We want to work with individuals and organisations who work towards advancing gender equity, promoting women’s health and preventing violence against women in Victoria.” Said newly elected Chair, Kit McMahon. “It is key that we work together to strengthen our collective voice to inform policy, legislation and services, take part in coordinated action for gender equity, women’s health and freedom from violence, and stand alongside other organisations and individuals to advance gender equity, women’s health; and the prevention of violence against women”.
“I would like to thank and pay tribute to the outgoing Board of GEN VIC who has devoted much time and energy into developing the first peak body for gender equity in Victoria – in what we see as the legacy of women’s health services sector. With a new appointed and skills-based Board, GEN VIC is now well placed ensure that its strategic development will respond to the needs of a rapidly growing membership base”, said Ms McMahon.
As a member of GEN VIC organisations and individuals have the opportunity to support and inform the peak’s advocacy priorities and to work towards a gender equitable Victoria together.