5 May 2006

Two Decades Of Women In Government Policy

The National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ) congratulates the Ministry of Women's Affairs on their advocating for women in government policy, since the Ministry's official opening on 6 May 1986.

"Although there is a tendency to think that after 20 years women have made it, the continuing issues of violence and income equality demonstrate there is still a need for the Ministry to ensure that government steps up to the challenge these issues present," said Christine Low, National President, NCWNZ.

"Ensuring women have a voice in government decisions and that government entities have considered the impact their decisions will have on women is just as vital now as it was 20 years ago," said Low.

NCWNZ was pleased that the Minister of Women's Affairs had recently announced that the Ministry was to investigate opening up the Nominations Service to local government and the private sector.

"The Ministry's Nomination Service is but one of many successes they have had over the past two decades," said Low. "Encouraging women to participate in all sectors can only be positive; however increasing the number of women in leadership positions in all sectors will ensure a win-win situation for all. The range of skills, knowledge and flexibility women can bring to the boardroom has for too long been ignored.

While some in the business sector have suggested women lack the temperament for leadership, it should be acknowledged that not all men are "leadership material" either. Young women are continuing to attain better results in education - their movement into leadership roles is a case of unavoidable natural succession. Breaking down the barriers now will ease this transition so, as a country, we can all enjoy the benefits."

"NCWNZ values the relationship it has with the Ministry of Women's Affairs. Being able to progress issues across the government and the not-for-profit sector ensures they have an achievable outcome that works positively for all in society," concluded Low.

ENDS

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