Gender Equality Statement of Commitment a Message from the Minister for Territory Families
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Gender Equality Statement of Commitment A message from the Minister for Territory Families Gender equality is a human right and fundamental if we are to progress social wellbeing, social justice and community cohesion here in the Northern Territory. Gender equality is linked to many positive economic outcomes and social benefits. Gender equality is linked Progressing gender equality benefits everyone, to many positive economic including men. Through increased community understanding and awareness, eliminating outcomes and social discrimination, preventing gender-based benefits. Progressing gender violence, addressing unconscious bias in systems equality benefits everyone, and challenging harmful stereotypes faced by people of all genders, we can create a foundation including men. for all Territorians to lead happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives. The Northern Territory has a diverse and unique population. This means each person experiences gender equality differently. As a community we must recognise and respond to the many ways that gender norms and stereotypes are interrelated with, and often compounded by, other forms of disadvantage and discrimination. There are five areas of focus that we will work across government and with key stakeholders Over the past century many positive to develop actions for. The Northern Territory developments have improved the circumstances Public Service will seek to be a gender equality of women, girls and people of diverse genders role model for business and not-for-profit areas and sexualities. Over the past twenty years to emulate and follow. we have seen the first Australian female Prime Minister, the first female Chief Minister of This Statement of Commitment seeks to focus the Northern Territory, and the first female our work on creating a more gender equal and Administrator of the Northern Territory. This inclusive Northern Territory. By developing a government also made Australian history in local culture that values and upholds equality 2016 by announcing a female majority Cabinet. in all its forms, the Northern Territory can be a place where all people feel respected as equals. This Gender Equality Statement of Commitment illustrates our undertaking to create a Territory that is fair, inclusive and safe for all Territorians. We have listened to what Territorians have told us about gender inequality here in the Northern Hon Dale Wakefield MLA Territory throughout the consultations held to Minister for Territory Families develop this Statement of Commitment. The Northern Territory Gender Equality Statement of Commitment The Northern Territory Government believes that Principles gender equality is fundamental to improving the Actions to achieve this vision will be guided by the lives of all women, men, girls, boys and people of following principles: diverse genders and sexualities, and to creating an inclusive and thriving Northern Territory. • Encourages inclusive and intersectional approaches. We believe that everyone should have equal access to • Supports the inclusion of gender equity measures. power, resources, and opportunities. A person’s gender • Builds evidence to find what works to improve gender and sexuality should never be a barrier to participate and equality in the Northern Territory. be included in Territory life. • Challenges rigid gender norms and stereotypes. We will work to reduce gender-based disadvantages and create greater opportunities for all Territorians to reach • Focuses on long-term systemic, attitudinal and their full potential. behavioural change. Increasing gender equality will help make the Northern Territory a welcoming place where all people are treated Key focus areas for action with dignity, respect and fairness and all voices are heard. There are five key areas the Northern Territory Our approach to improve gender equality will be Government will focus on to improve gender equality for grounded in the lived experiences of Territorians. To Territorians of all genders, sexualities and backgrounds: develop our gender equality initiatives we will seek out, • Community Engagement. listen to and include the voices of Territorians, especially those from marginalised groups who are most at risk • Health and Wellbeing. of experiencing compounded and multiple forms of • Safety. discrimination and disadvantage. • Economic Security. The Northern Territory Government recognises that people’s identities and backgrounds are diverse and • Leadership and Participation. multiple with respect to age, race, ethnicity, gender, These key areas were developed from consultations sexuality, disability, religion, citizenship status, across the Northern Territory with individuals, community socioeconomic status, and location among other factors. and government organisations, the responses received The Northern Territory Gender Equality Statement of on the ‘Have Your Say’ website, and the 21 submissions Commitment undertakes to address the barriers to received during the consultation process. equality experienced by Territorians. We heard that any commitment to gender equality must Through a sustained and collaborative approach we recognise and situate gender inequality in the historical will create a more equal Northern Territory that is safe, and social context, inclusive of the ongoing impact of inclusive and economically secure for all. colonisation. All policies and actions must address the role that poverty, including housing insecurity and Vision homelessness plays in driving and compounding people’s experiences of gender inequality. We also heard that Territorians enjoy a safe, and economically secure people understand that gender inequality is complex and Northern Territory where gender, sexuality or background multifaceted and affects people in many different ways, is never a barrier to full participation and inclusion. which means that innovative, community developed and community led solutions are needed. Gender Equality Statement of Commitment 1 Focus Community Health & Wellbeing area Engagement Territorians have every opportunity to be well and Territorians’ knowledge live healthy, balanced and active lives. Goal about gender equality, gender diversity, diverse sexualities and the drivers of gendered violence Recognise gender as a key determinant is improved. of physical and mental health. More needs to be done to build understanding about the mental health consequences of gender Community education inequality, including alcohol and and media campaigns help drug abuse and suicide. increase awareness of gender equality and gender diversity and to promote People from lesbian, gay, bisexual, respectful relationships. transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities should have support to access safe public spaces, Respectful relationships health and counselling services. and gender equality education programs are needed, particularly for Strengthen the men’s health sector, What we young people in schools particularly with respect to healthy heard from and people in the youth and lifestyles, nutrition and mental health. criminal justice systems. Territorians Access to affordable and Local research will help to appropriate sexual health services increase understanding is important, particularly among of and improve gender LGBTQIA+ communities. equality in the Northern Territory. Encourage more equal sharing between genders of unpaid work and childcare. Training and education needs to address the role of unconscious gender bias Support men in their roles as fathers, in decision making. grandfathers, father-figures and positive role models. Promote gender equality role models. Increase targeted preventive health information and advice, particularly for older men. All Territorians, particularly women, girls and seniors, should be encouraged to participate in sport and exercise. Invest in and develop clubs and groups, particularly for seniors, youth, Aboriginal and multicultural communities, to reduce social isolation and foster support networks. 2 Gender Equality Statement of Commitment Safety Economic Leadership & Security Participation Territorians are safe, feel respected and Territorians are Territorians are able are free from violence supported to achieve to fully participate in all in all aspects of life. their full potential and aspects of life and are able be more economically to influence the decisions secure at each that impact them. stage of life. The broad and underlying conditions that support Gender equality reporting violence against women and When people aspire and accountability perpetuate gender inequality to non-traditional mechanisms encourage need to be challenged. industries and fields for diversity in leadership their gender, they need positions. to be supported. Domestic, family and sexual violence needs to be prevented Support gender equality and responded to earlier. It is important for in leadership and value young parents, diverse leadership styles. particularly those Undertake local research in rural and remote on the factors that lead to communities, to stay in Senior leaders should be gender-based violence. the education system. encouraged and supported to set good gender equality Men need support for examples, including Childcare that is behaviour change and access normalising and encouraging more affordable and to healing spaces. the uptake of flexible accessible will support work and parental leave, gender equality. especially by men. Sexual harassment in all areas of life should not be tolerated. Gender equality