Women in the Greater Geelong region are being encouraged
to apply for a new Victorian Government leadership program that aims to increase
the number of women being elected as local Councillors.
The Women Leading Locally
program aims to address gender inequality in local government and help
achieve the Victorian Government’s target of 50 per cent female mayors and councillors
by 2025.
The City of Greater Geelong is one of 30
municipalities where women remain under-represented, with four women out of 11
Councillors.
The program will be delivered by the Institute
of Community Directors Australia. It will help women develop leadership skills,
provide ongoing mentoring and equip women with the knowledge and skills needed
to run a successful local government campaign.
Women can attend an inspiring seminar on the
program in Geelong from 5pm to 8pm on Wednesday 8 June (at a venue to be
confirmed).
There are 60 places available for the
program’s first intake in 2022, with 120 places offered in total. Women who are
Aboriginal, live with disability or identify as LGBTQI+ are encouraged to
apply.
Applications for the program open on 12 May. Priority will be given to women who aspire to standing for local council election in 2024.
To find out more go to localgovernment.vic.gov.au
Councillor Belinda Moloney
The program will empower women from Greater
Geelong, equipping them with the connections and tools to help them nominate
for the next local council elections in 2024, while breaking down the barriers
often encountered when entering politics. I strongly urge women of all leadership
experience levels to consider engaging in local government elections, either as
a candidate or supporting the women that nominate.
Creating a culture of respect and equality
means involving women in all decision making, from politics, to sporting clubs,
businesses and the media. We’re continuing to push for more diverse
participation across the City both in employment and in elected positions.
Councillor Kylie
Grzybek
This leadership program is an important step
towards closing the gender gap at the 2024 Victorian Council elections. Women’s leadership qualities transfer well
into political office and our community benefits from having more women in
council chambers.