Left to right: Host Tasneem Chopra OAM with panellists Mariam Koslay, Dr Leonora Risse and Jill Gallagher AO at the launch of Our equal state at Melbourne Town Hall.
Our equal state is an ambitious blueprint for Victorians of all genders to live in a safe and equal society. It aims to ensure everyone has access to equal power, resources and opportunities, and is treated with dignity, respect and fairness – no matter their gender.
The strategy spells out how we are making that happen with 110 actions across government driving gender equality.
It focusses on addressing inequality at three life stages - childhood and youth, adulthood, and older age - because inequality can start even before birth and grow over time, altering the course of people’s lives.
It also takes an intersectional approach because we know that not everyone experiences gender inequality the same, and gender inequality is compounded by existing discrimination and disadvantage.
A gender equal society benefits everyone. It makes our communities safer, healthier and more connected.
Our equal state explains how we are taking action in five focus areas:
- Cultural change - Victoria is free from limiting gender norms and is an equal, fair and inclusive place for all genders.
- Health and wellbeing - The health and wellbeing of all Victorians are not limited by gender.
- Safety and respect - All Victorians are safe and treated with respect.
- Economic equity - The economic rights and opportunities of Victorians are not limited by gender.
- The public sector as a leader - The Victorian Government leads by example and advances reforms for gender equality.
The four guiding principles embedded in the 110 actions focus on structural and cultural change, support Aboriginal self-determination, to centre inclusion, diversity and accessibility, and embed the knowledge that gender equality is everyone’s responsibility.
We recognise that achieving gender equality needs action from all parts of government.
This strategy outlines a strong agenda for long-term, systemic and structural reform, backed by practical investments – to change the way we make decisions and how we address bias and discrimination embedded in our society.
Victoria is a world leader in gender equality and this next strategy will continue to deliver the Gender Equality Act 2020 – our strongest tool to make meaningful change towards a gender-equal Victoria. We’ll be reporting back to the Victorian parliament every two years to chart the progress of the strategy.
You can read and download the strategy on the Our equal state: Victoria’s gender equality strategy and action plan 2023–2027 webpage.