Women's Affairs chief executive in Dunedin for feedback

Concerns over domestic violence, a lack of support for the vulnerable, salary imbalances, and work-life balance were discussed when 40 Dunedin women met Ministry of Women's Affairs chief executive Sheila Gleisner on Monday night.

Ms Gleisner is conducting a series of such meetings throughout New Zealand as the ministry's five-year action plan for New Zealand women comes to an end.

While significant progress had been made on the 34 actions contained in the plan, it was important to have feedback from women and discuss strategies for the future under a new government and a new ministry, Ms Gleisner told the gathering.

‘‘The ministry is also very concerned to be alert to the impact of the economic recession on women,'' she said.

On the up-side, women were experiencing better health, were participating more in tertiary education, had improved economic outcomes, and there had been a resurgence in confidence among Maori.

However, obstacles to gender equity remained, with challenges including violence and the fear of crime, the lack of equity in pay between women and men, and the lack of women in leadership positions, Ms Gleisner said.

The new Minister of Women's Affairs, Pansy Wong, saw women as eminently capable, and firmly believed in their right to choose, Ms Gleisner said.

‘‘The minister would like for there to be no barriers for women across their life course,'' she said.

Following Ms Gleisner's presentation, a lively discussion ranged across many topics of concern to Dunedin women.

The issue of violence against women and the very low rates of prosecution for this crime was a concern for many participants. Violence needed to become unacceptable throughout society for real change to occur, the women concluded.

Problems encountered by vulnerable people when dealing with Work and Income, Inland Revenue and other government agencies were raised as an issue. A more ‘‘judgemental'' attitude seemed to prevail, perhaps related to a general tightening of policy in hard economic times, the meeting was told.

While young women were reaching higher levels of education more often, the gender difference in salaries which occurred soon after graduation was a major issue for women. This was partly because of lower salary ranges for femaledominated occupations, and could also relate to career interruption for women having families, the group heard.

‘‘An issue that arises again and again is the lack of value placed on raising families,'' Dunedin Council of Society Services executive officer Sue Russell said.

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement