Consider gender equality

Women in Gippsland is urging voters across Gippsland to consider gender equality when casting their ballots in council elections this month.

“We are delighted to see 41 women standing for councils across Gippsland which is 44 per cent of all candidates,” Women in Gippsland co-founder Kerry Wilson said.

“Our hope is that this translates into more women being elected to the roles to provide a truer representation of our communities.”

According to Ms Wilson, just one in four Gippsland councillors elected in 2016 was a woman, significantly below the state-wide average of 38 per cent.

“We have a real chance in 2020 to lead the way and achieve parity around the chambers of Baw Baw, Latrobe, Wellington, East Gippsland and Bass Coast shires but we need voters’ help by supporting our female candidates,” Ms Wilson said.

In Baw Baw Shire, seven of the 16 candidates are women. In Cardinia Shire’s Bunyip and Westernport wards, three of the seven candidates are women.

“To have 50 per cent of all councillors across Gippsland being women would be an important step for all those who seek gender equality, and fairness and inclusion for women and girls,” Ms Wilson said.

“In the words of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, ‘Women belong in all places where decisions are made’.

“When you complete your postal vote, we invite you to support a future where women take their rightful place at the council table.”

South Gippsland Shire will hold its elections in 2021.