Jacinda effect not enough for women

‘‘Women have a long way to go to achieve equality. They are over-represented among the poor, under-represented in board rooms ...’’ Gill Greer

It is time for New Zealanders to do more to achieve gender equality, says internationally recognised campaigner for improving the lives of women and girls, Gill Greer.

The recently appointed chief executive of the National Council of Women will speak in Palmerston North on August 13 about the challenges that remain 125 years after New Zealand women won the right to vote.

She said despite examples such as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, women had a long way to go to achieve equality.

They were over-represented among the poor, underrepresented in board rooms and were the focus of only 8 per cent of media coverage in New Zealand, despite the Jacinda effect.

Greer said the intense interest in the prime minister and how she handled being a parent was positive – ‘‘if girls can see it, girls can do it’’.

But nobody asked men in Parliament whether it was difficult balancing their work with being a parent, the assumption being there was someone at home to take care of the children.

Greer said she would talk in Palmerston North about what she called her ‘‘accidental career’’.

She has been a teacher and assistant Victoria University vice-chancellor, Katherine Mansfield researcher, Family Planning chief executive, director-general of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, based in London, chief executive of Volunteer Service Abroad NZ, and holds a CBE and MNZM.

‘‘There were a lot of zigs and zags, but the common theme has been about gender equality for girls and women.’’ Greer’s speech is at the Manawatu¯ County Clubrooms at 5.30pm on Monday, August 13.

All are welcome, but people are asked to register.