Promoting Women’s Empowerment Through Action Plan
Minister of Women, Jan Tinetti, has submitted New Zealand’s latest report to the UN, showcasing the strides made in enhancing outcomes, well-being, and equality for women in the country.
With a focus on Te Mahere Whai Mahi Wāhine, the 2022 Women’s Employment Action Plan, along with other initiatives, New Zealand has made significant progress in women’s educational attainment, labor force participation, and support for women entering paid work.
A Roadmap for a Better Future
Te Mahere Whai Mahi Wāhine, New Zealand’s first-ever employment action plan for women, serves as a roadmap toward a better future for women’s employment and educational pathways.
It places a particular emphasis on addressing the needs of wāhine Māori, Pacific women, young and older women, disabled women, women who are former refugees and recent migrants, and the Rainbow community. The plan encompasses both immediate and long-term actions to uplift disadvantaged women.
Milestones in Women’s Empowerment
New Zealand’s commitment to women’s empowerment is evident through groundbreaking initiatives such as the introduction of the country’s first women’s employment action plan and women’s health strategy in 2022.
These programs have played a pivotal role in driving positive change for women across New Zealand.
Progress and Challenges Ahead
While celebrating the achievements detailed in the report, Minister Jan Tinetti acknowledges that there is still work to be done to address inequities, particularly faced by Māori, Pacific, migrant, pan-ethnic women, women with disabilities, and women from rainbow communities.
The report highlights the pressing need to continue working toward resolving discrimination and fostering inclusivity.
Increasing Representation and Diversity
New Zealand has witnessed an encouraging rise in gender representation on public sector boards and committees. As of 2023, women now make up a record-breaking 53.1 percent of members. Moreover, Māori and ethnic diversity in these leadership positions have steadily increased since 2019 when ethnic data collection began.
Commitment to Collaboration and Solutions
Minister Tinetti affirms the government’s dedication to working alongside communities, particularly those facing discrimination, to develop effective solutions and create more opportunities for women of diverse backgrounds. The government seeks to foster inclusivity and equal rights for all people in New Zealand.
The full report detailing New Zealand’s progress in advancing women’s well-being and equality can be accessed on the Ministry for Women’s website.
Sources: THX News & New Zealand Government.
