“People’s contribution to the community is valued equally whether paid or unpaid, and regardless of gender”
Women make up 50.2% of the ACT population. The full participation of women and girls in all aspects of society is critical to the wellbeing of the whole community. The ACT Government is removing barriers so women and girls can reach their potential. This will help all Canberrans contribute to innovation and ideas and to take up leadership positions.
Achieving gender equality requires strong and broad commitment and leadership.
Results from the Living Well in the ACT Region survey (2020) show that women have ‘lower than average’ personal wellbeing, access to nature, heatwave resilience, feelings of safety and quality of time use. This supports a better understanding of the challenges faced by women in the ACT. This data shows how to help improve supports and services to improve gender equality.
The ACT Women’s Plan 2016-26 sets out the ACT Government’s ongoing work towards gender equality. The plans outline action areas to improve economic status, social inclusion and safety and wellbeing of ACT women. This includes groups of women that may be subject to more than one layer of discrimination.
The priority areas informed the development of actions for the Second Action Plan 2020-22 under the ACT Women’s Plan 2016-26, including:
- improving the mental health and wellbeing of women and girls in the ACT,
- fostering gender equity in Canberra workplaces,
- improved gender equality in leadership and workplace participation,
- building a community where women and girls are safe and supported to participate,
- improving housing support and sustainability and reducing homelessness for women, and
developing accessible services, programs, and policies appropriate for all backgrounds.
