25 February 2009

Where are the Women?

The Green Party is calling for more leading women's organisations to be included in Friday's Job Summit.

As of today the guest list for the Job Summit includes 165 men and just 30 women.

"I'm sure John Key doesn't intend to send the message to New Zealand that the National Party does not value women, but that is what he is doing. We urge the Prime Minister to check the numbers and think again about the needs of half the workforce at this critical time," said Green Women's Issues spokesperson Catherine Delahunty.

"Only three women's organisations have been invited to the Job Summit. This tiny number needs to be expanded to include more groups that have expertise in women's employment issues.

"The Prime Minister should invite groups such as the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women, The New Horizons Trust for Women, The NZ Federation of Business and Professional Women's Association, the NZ Centre for Women and Leadership, and Rural Women New Zealand who would contribute a lot to this Summit.

"Although the Government has described the Summit as not "representational" we want to see women leaders who work in job creation sitting at this table. Women are typically the first to lose their jobs in a recession; the PM should show he means business - for all New Zealanders - and use this opportunity to harness experienced women's groups in the job creation process."

Earlier today the Green Party released its Green New Deal paper that was submitted to the Job Summit and the Summit's current invitees.

Link to earlier release on Job Summit:

http://www.greens.org.nz/node/20632

ENDS

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