Equality project

Aregional women’s health group has launched a new project to raise awareness of diversity and empower western Victorian women to lead change in their communities.

Women’s Health Grampians is developing the Equality for All project to strengthen regional program Communities of Respect and Equality, CORE, to prevent violence against women and their children.

The aim is to increase understanding of how women experience discrimination and gender inequality.

Women’s Health Grampians will employ, train and support a group of between six and 12 women from diverse backgrounds to become ‘equality advocates’.

The women will undergo training to speak publically about a variety of topics including violence against women, gender equality, barriers to equality and other forms of discrimination.

Following training, the equality advocates will be given speaking opportunities at Women’s Health Grampians events, training and workshops.

The advocates will produce a video promoting equality and help develop an event celebrating women’s differences and strengths.

Women’s Health Grampians chief executive Marianne Hendron said Equality for All would give women from diverse backgrounds a voice about gender equality and discrimination.

Women’s Health Grampians provides leadership, advice, resources and support for women in a region spanning 11 municipalities including Ararat, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack, Moorabool, Hepburn, Golden Plains and Ballarat.

Figures show women in regional areas face barriers to accessing health and well-being services and are at risk of family violence due to isolation and other factors.