Dear ,
What a week.
On Wednesday evening, I had the immense pleasure of sitting in a room of talented, hard-working people all focussed on the same thing: the federal Budget and what it means for women across the country.
A stone’s throw from Parliament House, a rapt audience heard from Minister for Finance, Women and the Public Service, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, about the focus of her incredibly busy Budget week.
“When people ask ‘Why do we need a Women's Budget Statement?’ I like to respond with the facts,” Minister Gallagher said.
“Australia ranked 43 out of 156 countries in the World Economic Forum gender gap analysis, and the issue of violence against women and children in this country is at a completely unacceptable level.”
“A woman is killed by an intimate partner every 10 days in this country, and for First Nations women those levels are much, much higher.”
“By the time I finish my list of stats, people are more accepting of the need to focus on how we address these inequalities and progress towards a gender equal Australia.”
I often wax lyrical in these notes to the FW community about the power of getting into a room with each other - to share our ideas, perspectives and experiences.
And last night was no exception.
As Sex Discrimination Commission Kate Jenkins put so eloquently - it took everyone’s effort to reach this particular moment.
“People say that change takes time… But actually, change takes action.”
It’s something we know well. And it’s why we continue to work together to address the inequalities that pervade workplaces and communities across the country.
It’s taken so long to get here, and it’s time to build on this momentum.
Which is why I want to take a moment to tell you about our next big event, the Future Women Leadership Summit 2023.
Coinciding with International Women's Day and taking place in Sydney, Melbourne and via livestream, this time around we'll consider the theme - Accelerate.
Because 'soon' is no longer good enough when it comes to gender equality. And if the Budget showed us anything - it's that change comes as a result of action - from us all.
In solidarity always,
Bojana Kos
Senior Content Producer, Future Women
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