It’s Time the Government Stepped up on Gender Equality

The Government needs to show its commitment to gender equality this International Women’s Day says the New Zealand Federation of Business & Professional Women (BPW NZ).

“New Zealand has been a world leader for women but an increasing gender pay gap and a stall in the number of women in decision-making roles shows not enough is being done to empower women in the workplace,” says BPW NZ President Vicky Mee.

“It concerns us that two indicators of the levels of empowerment of New Zealand women are falling – we’re behind in the leadership stakes and that the gender pay gap has increased.

“The 2016 International Women’s Day theme is ‘Planet 50/50 by 2030: Step it up for gender equality’.

“We want the government to join with our Asia and Pacific neighbours Australia, Fiji, Nepal and 17 others in declaring its commitment to gender equality.

“Research has proven that increasing the number of women in decision-making roles and reducing the gender pay gap makes financial sense.

“We ask that the Government commits to gender equality by 2030, for the sake of our women, families and economy,” says Mrs Mee.

ENDS

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