03 March 2016

Gender equality key focus for NCWNZ’s new CE

Enabling women’s potential through concentrating on gender equality will be the main focus of the National Council of Women of New Zealand’s new Chief Executive, Lynn McKenzie when she starts in March at NCWNZ.

Achieving gender equality is not only the right thing to do – it's the smart thing to do, says NCWNZ President Rae Duff.

“In a gender equal New Zealand, all people should have the freedom and opportunity to determine their own future. To date traditional interventions have not succeeded.

“Disparities continue with a gender pay gap, more women than men unemployed or underemployed and women being largely absent in the executive teams of NZ companies and directors of NZX top companies.

In November last year, NCWNZ released a white paper detailing key actions New Zealanders can take to stop the backwards drift and reclaim New Zealand’s place as a global leader and gender equality advocate.

“Our founders Kate Sheppard and others stepped out of their comfort zones to do the right thing. It’s time for us to do this again, all New Zealanders working together to secure gender equality”, says Rae Duff.

“I am delighted Lynn McKenzie is joining us. Lynn has strong and deep experiences with gender equality nationally and internationally through her involvement with Zonta International and other national organisations.

“Lynn was the first New Zealander to serve as the Global President and CE with Zonta International and its Foundation of 30,000+ members. In that capacity she represented the organisation at the United Nations, state governments and with like-minded global organisations. In recognition for her services for women she was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2014.”

“I have seen the impact gender inequality has globally and within New Zealand – it's a legacy we cannot leave to future generations,” Lynn McKenzie said. “It’s not a problem for women to solve - it's a problem for all of us to address.

“I think about a baby born in NZ today and ask myself what sort of world can we provide for them – a world where they are loved, protected, nurtured and provided with opportunities to be the best they can be, to contribute to make NZ a great place to grow up and live in.

“That’s what motivates me. I see huge opportunities for NCWNZ and its members working with others committed to enable that little baby to reach their full potential – why wouldn't we, as it's the smart and right thing to do.”

ENDS.

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