International Women’s Day: Women’s Interest Minister Simone McGurk to consult Town of Bassendean on women’s plan

WOMEN’S Interest Minister Simone McGurk will be headlining the Town of Bassendean’s Evening on the Green for International Women’s Day.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is More Powerful Together.

Ms McGurk will discuss the development of a women’s plan, which will provide a long-term, coordinated approach to achieving gender equality at the event on March 11.

The Town is the first local government to be consulted as part of the development of the plan.

Ms McGurk said she was looking forward to hearing the voices of the women in the Town.

“International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women but also recognise we still have a way to go to say women are full and equal partners throughout society,” she said.

“WA has much to be proud of with women leading the way in many important areas, but our persistent pay gap as well as high levels of domestic violence remind us there is more to do.

“I am passionate about being Western Australia’s Minister for Women’s Interests and building a prosperous future where every girl has the opportunity to fulfil her potential.”

She said despite progress being made towards gender equality, women still experienced barriers to full social and economic participation.

“Overcoming those barriers, I believe, will reap benefits for everyone – women and men, our kids and our families, as well as for business,” she said.

“That is also why we are developing a women’s plan that sets out our priorities and actions to support women in WA.

“It will focus on key issues facing women – health and wellbeing; safety and justice; economic independence; and leadership.”

Town chief executive Peta Mabbs said it was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of all women in the community.

She said the Town would be launching its community engagement strategy at the event.

“The community engagement strategy will incorporate a range of options to enable a genuine and inclusive approach,” she said.

“This will include the establishment of an ‘ideas hub’ on Old Perth Road enabling a drop-in space which will provide general information and the ability to provide feedback.”

For information on the women’s plan, visit www.communities.wa.gov.au/womensplan.