Victoria’s first peak body for gender equity, women’s health and the prevention of violence against women, Gender Equity Victoria (GEN VIC), was officially launched today by the Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Natalie Hutchins.
Gender Equity Victoria builds on the 24-year history of the Women’s Health Association of Victoria (WHAV), expanding its membership to include a rapidly growing gender equality and prevention of violence against women sector, and opening its doors to more health organisations across Victoria.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time in Victoria right now, with unprecedented social and political investment in addressing gender inequality and its health impacts on women. Change is underway but until women are paid equally to men, until women’s autonomy over their own bodies ceases to be questioned, until all women are safe in their homes and in public, there’s still much more work to be done,” said Kristine Olaris, Convenor of Gender Equity Victoria.
“As a peak body, Gender Equity Victoria will unite the many organisations and individuals who are working towards the equality, health and freedom from violence for every woman and girl in Victoria.”
GEN VIC today launched its 2018-2021 strategic plan, focussing on four key priorities:
- Advance gender equity
- Promote women’s sexual and reproductive health
- Prevent violence against women
- Build an influential and sustainable peak body.
“For many years we have been advocating for gender equity, women’s sexual and reproductive health and the prevention of violence against women to be statewide priorities. For the first time in Victoria’s history, these priorities align with government strategies.
The time is right for a peak body for gender equity.” said Ms Olaris.
GEN VIC is now accepting expressions of interest for membership from organisations and individuals across Victoria who advance gender equity and hold values that align with feminist principles.
Download the Introducing the new peak body for gender equity media release PDF