MEDIA RELEASE
30 July 2004
New Policy Manager for Ministry of Women’s Affairs
New Policy Manager for Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Rowena Phair, is no stranger to women’s issues, having previously
worked in both the Ministry and the Minister of Women’s Affairs Office.
Rowena, who rejoined the Ministry of Women’s Affairs this week, last worked at the Ministry in 1995. After leaving the
Ministry she worked first as a consultant at KPMG before joining the Ministry of Education in 1997 as Senior Manager of
the School Labour Market Policy Group.
“We looked for many skills in our new Policy Manager, but there were two that stood out for us,” said Shenagh Gleisner,
Ministry of Women’s Affairs Chief Executive.
“First that they should be a very experienced policy manager who would bring rigour and a passion for evidence to the
analytical task; secondly, we needed someone who would support our very good, but new, policy team and give them
opportunities to stretch and shine. We needed someone who is intuitively excellent in relationships, positive and
facilitative.
“In Rowena we have all this, and more – she has worked for the Ministry in the past and has a long standing commitment
to achieving positive outcomes for women. So we are very pleased to have her.”
Rowena said she was attracted by the opportunities to work across a broad range of issues and to focus on the strategic
intent and likely impact of policies.
“The timing is perfect for advancing women’s policy interests. There are a number of very significant policy issues that
are currently on the government’s agenda. In some cases, the past work of the Ministry has helped to ensure these issues
are being considered,” said Rowena.
ENDS