How We Take Action for Gender Equality
‘Gender equality’ means equal outcomes for women, men and gender-diverse people. ‘Gender equity’ is the process to achieve gender equality.
Gender equity recognises that women and gender-diverse people are not in the same ‘starting position’ as men. This is because of historical and social disadvantages. Treating women, gender-diverse people and men equally might not actually be fair. In fact, it can create further disadvantage. Gender equity measures are often needed to level the playing field.
Gender Equity and Gender Equality is at the Centre of all Our Work
To improve the lives, health and wellbeing of women in Southern Metropolitan Region, we challenge the causes of gender inequality that impact upon women, and strengthen actions to support equity and equality. As women’s health and wellbeing outcomes are shaped by the unequal distribution of power and resources, discrimination and harmful gender norms and practices, gender equity is at the centre of all our work. Equality is important in being able to respond and adapt to the different settings, organisations and communities that we work with.
How we do this?
When WHISE works to create gender equity we do this in partnership with organisations, communities and groups by:
Implementing the Gender Equality Act – WHISE and the Panel of Providers
WHISE is a proud member of the Action for Gender Equity Partnership. The Partnership is a network of gender equity experts providing services in Gender Equity to the public, not-for-profit and private sectors across Victoria.
The Partnership delivers best practice, evidence informed, gender equity and equality services to organisations across Victoria and we are on the panel of providers for the Commissioner for Gender Equality in the Public Sector Find out more >
Building Capacity and Capability
One of the most direct and effective ways to address inequality is to raise awareness and increase understanding about it.
We do this in a range of ways. Learn more about our capability development and training services
Creating Systems and Tools
Implementing processes to guide partners on their gender equity journey and work towards affecting community change through implementing targeted actions and tracking progress overtime. By designing and implementing specifically tailored community and workforce development programs and practical guidance, including developing and maintaining the Preventing Violence Together Gender Equality in the Workplace Toolkit , our team build sustainable understanding of the value and role of gender equity in the workplace.
Working in Partnership to Create Change
Our primary prevention of violence strategy Preventing Violence Together and the regional strategy on sexual and reproductive health Good Health Down South allows our team to coordinate collective action and build positive sustainable change.
WHISE also works with a range of communities to establish specific partnerships and infrastructure around women's health and gender equity.
Translating Evidence and Existing Practice into the Region
Workplaces have an important role in promoting gender equality. WHISE works with a range of organisations to help them implement gender equitable change strategies by taking existing tried and tested evidence based frameworks and translating them at the local level with local knowledge of our partners and stakeholders.
By promoting gender equality, we can not only improve the health and wellbeing of women in the Southern Metropolitan Region, we can improve the health and safety of women, children, men and gender diverse people.