Women Hope Reformed NACEW Doesn’t Continue the Inequality Itch

The government’s announcement about they have reformed the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women (NACEW) gives us some cause for concern says the New Zealand Federation of Business & Professional Women (BPW NZ).

“BPW NZ was instrumental in the formation of NACEW back in the 1960’s and whilst we understand the need for a multi focused approach our concern is that there continues to be little progress,” says Vice President Hellen Swales.

“NACEW has spent nearly 50 years identifying issues affecting women in the workplace with very little remedy from successive governments.

“Issues facing women in the workplace amount to an itch, in this case a 49 year itch, that has never gone away and unless the government is serious about it, another 49 years will pass and the rash will have increased.

“The reformed NACEW should not be about identifying gaps, which is not a recommendation for a cure.

“Increasing the number of women into what’s seen as non-traditional roles doesn’t necessarily equate to equal pay either.

“We think the answer is for the government to commit to gender equality in the workplace by using the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs).

“BPW NZ is looking forward to action and not more rhetoric,” says Mrs Swales.

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