Committing to Women’s Issues at the City of Greater Geelong Cr Jan Farrell

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THE STORY SO FAR  Council endorsed the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter in October  Council appointed a Charter Champion, Cr Jan Farrell.  CEO and Mayor became White Ribbon ambassadors and took part in an event in November 2010  Year of Women in Local Government event for senior women and female councillors in G21 Councils in conjunction with DPCD in November  Cr Jan Farrell attended the Women’s Participation in Local Government Coalition strategic planning for 2011 day in December  Display of female councilors in the Geelong region developed and displayed.  100 years of International Women’s Day recognized with a series of workshops that started on 8 March These workshops involved local women who had recently become Australian citizens working with 2 local artists to create artworks on the theme of The Shape of Life. Images of the artworks have been used to create six banners that will be flown around the City every year on International Women’s Day. The banners were presented to female councilors on 17 th April  Geelong Women in Local Democracy (WILD) Forum 18 April 2011 – 3x3 Action Plan generated.  Geelong WILD Group has met throughout 2011 and committed to hosting a Regional Forum in March 2012 encouraging Women’s Participation in Local Government.

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Geelong 3 x 3 Action Plan for the Women’s Charter Principle 1: Gender Equity Designate a Council Committee / Portfolio for increasing women’s participation Plan and host pre-election workshops for women – 2012 elections Review Council policies, meetings and entitlements to ensure they are family friendly and carer friendly.

Geelong 3 x 3 Action Plan for the Women’s Charter Principle 2: Diversity Fund a Women in Leadership Program targeting women from diverse backgrounds and enable participation through funding interpreters and communication support; and recruit Councillors and Senior Council Officers as mentors. Link with diverse women leaders at senior levels to identify and rectify under-funding of women’s groups that hinders their participation in the life of the community. Invite schools to participate in a Growing Local Democracy Program.

Geelong 3 x 3 Action Plan for the Women’s Charter Principle 3: Active Citizenship Openness and transparency in Council processes that emphasise the public’s right to participate. Publicise and promote the Women’s Charter with local groups and invite their partnership towards implementation of the Charter. Provide resources and in-kind support that facilitate women’s involvement as active citizens, eg childcare, transport, etc.

Contact Details Cr Jan Farrell Heidi Waterson Lisa Armstrong Rowe