Gender equality is the process of treating everyone equally and providing the same resources, opportunities and supports regardless of gender.
Gender equity is where those who are more disadvantaged are given more resources, opportunities and supports to be able to access the same outcomes as the group who are at a greater advantage already. Gender equity approaches aim to increase the likelihood of gender equality.
Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West is a member of the Action for Gender Equality Partnership, a panel of providers selected to support public sector organisations to implement actions and meet obligations of the Gender Equality Act 2020.
The Act requires that all defined entities meet the following obligations:
- Promote gender equality
- Conduct gender impact assessments
- Undertake a workplace gender audit
- Create a Gender Equality Action Plan
- Report on progress
Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West support organisations to complete these tasks, as well as encouraging workplaces to further address Gender Inequality at a societal level.
The Commission’s website is is the government’s central point for information about the Act, obligations, reporting and compliance and has published a range of guidance materials and best practice resources to help defined entities to meet their obligations.
In addition, Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West has developed a hub of resources (below) specifically tailored to meeting the needs of our local defined entities. This hub will be constantly updated and we advise you to keep checking back.
We can also support you to meet the Gender Equality Act requirements, by:
Holding leadership forums to introduce the Gender Equality Act and the supports available; Facilitating sector-specific Communities of Practice to support key staff in the implementation of the Act.
For more information please contact info@womenshealthbsw.org.au
The Gender Equality Act 2020
Victorian public sector organisations, universities and councils legislated to take positive action towards achieving workplace gender equality under the state’s first Gender Equality Act (which came into effect on March 31, 2021) have support from the ‘Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector’ to meet their obligations.
The Gender Equality Act requires defined entities to address gender inequality in their workplaces as well as in the community.
Defined entities are required to:
- develop and implement a Gender Equality Action Plan, which includes:
- results of a workplace gender audit
- strategies for achieving workplace gender equality
- publicly report on their progress in relation to workplace gender equality
- promote gender equality in policies, programs and services that impact the public
- complete gender impact assessments
Workplaces are a key site to undertake primary prevention work as they:
1. Have reach across the population and into communities (we spend more time at work than with our families or friends)
2. Can change societies norms, behaviours and structures as well as set a cultural and systemic standard.
The following resources will support your organisation’s leaders to understand their requirements under the Act and how to communicate effectively to support cultural change in your workplace and your community:
Gender Equality + Workplaces
Did you know we can reduce violence against women in Australia by increasing gender...
DownloadBacklash & Buy-in
Responding to the challenges in achieving gender equality.
DownloadCommunicating Effectively
This guide aims to help you by providing advice to develop a communications strategy...
DownloadResponding to Curly Questions About the Act
A reference guide outlining frequently asked questions about the act and how to...
DownloadHow gender inequality manifests in the workplace
The story of Amelia and William is fictional but is based on data. The data shows us...
Visit SiteThe Leadership Shadow
A free and simple management model, called 'The Leadership Shadow', which will help...
DownloadGender impact assessments are a way of critically thinking about how policies, programs and services will meet the different needs of women, men and gender diverse people.
In many circumstances, women and gender diverse individuals may not have the same access to decision-making processes, resources, economic or social opportunities. This means that policies, programs and services are likely experienced differently, and have different outcomes for people of varying genders.
The aim of gender impact assessments is to create better and fairer outcomes and ensure all people have equal access to opportunities and resources.
From March 31, 2021, Gender Impact Assessments are required for all new and reviewed policies, programs and services that have a direct and significant impact on the public.
Gender Impact Assessment 101
Why Gender Impact Assessments are Important
Explaining why Gender Impact Assessments are a key component of embedding gender...
Visit SiteExample of a Gender Impact Assessment in Action
This short video shows how a Gender Impact Assessment was undertaken; demonstrating...
Visit SiteGender Analysis Toolkit
A guide to gender analysis of local government events, information, programs,...
DownloadDetermining Direct & Significant Impact
The Gender Equality Act requires you to undertake a Gender Impact Assessment (GIA)...
DownloadWorkplace gender audits are an essential part of helping your organisation understand how it is performing in regards to the systems, structures, policies and practices that promote workplace gender equality.
The workplace gender audit will establish baseline organisational data on gender equality from which you can:
- Identify any critical gaps, areas for improvement and challenges to address in your Gender Equality Action Plan
- Monitor and assess progress made in relation to workplace gender equality including whether strategies and measures are effective.
The Audit process is required to commence as soon as possible after June 30, 2021.
Gender Equality Action Plans (GEAP) explicitly set out your organisation’s commitment to achieving gender equality by helping you plan, implement and measure change.
Organisations are required to develop a GEAP every four years and report on it every second year.
The first GEAP under the Gender Equality Act is due by October 31, 2021.
