Women in Leadership

FIERCE FEMALES: IGNITING CHANGE IN LOCAL GOVERNENT ELECTIONS

By Kate Hamley

IWD Media Release

MELBOURNE, March 8 2024 - International Women’s Day

Women across Victoria are taking on their male-dominated councils this October in a state-wide push to get more women and gender diverse people elected to local government.

Recent Order of Australia Medal recipient Connie Boglis OAM will be running for election to Darebin City Council. “Women's voices across history have been suppressed, and this is now shifting. I am so proud to be among women today who stand up for what they believe in, listening close and advocating wide. I want every young woman to know they too can share their truth and they have a platform to join, lead and be heard among us”.

Emma Robbins is passionate about empowering her community in Golden Plains Shire. “As long as women are underrepresented in local government, we're not harnessing the full potential of our communities. Local councils across Victoria need leaders who excel at building trust, fostering connections, and advocating for positive change. I'm putting my hand up to be one of them".

Kate Hamley is standing for election to Hume City Council in Melbourne’s north-west, which currently has only 3 women on a council of 11. “In every sports club, community group, school parents group and local committee you’ll find amazing women with their sleeves rolled, getting things done. We are the lifeblood of our communities, but even in 2024 we still don’t have a fair seat at the table where decisions are being made about us.”

Victoria has been moving closer to achieving gender equality in local government but there is more work to be done, particularly in rural areas. Across the state, women are still under-represented in 31 out of 79 Councils.

Local nurse Allison Winters is taking on the Rural City of Wangaratta, which only has 2 women on a council of 7. “As a candidate for the local council elections my focus is on strong governance through transparent and inclusive decision-making. I am committed to bridging the gap with community members who feel unheard, actively seeking their concerns and needs. I am passionate about creating a future where inclusivity and engagement define our decision-making process.”

Out in Gippsland, Cindy Madeley is preparing to run for Wellington Shire Council, where only a third of Councillors are women. “I am committed to promoting inclusion, diversity, and sustainability within our community. My vision is to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. I will advocate for policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of local government.”

Jana Sarantis is standing for Swan Hill Rural City Council and wants to see a shift in the culture of local councils to be more welcoming for women. “If women could see that it isn't just a boys club, then more talented and capable women will put their hands up to stand for Council, which could only be a good thing for improving our communities into the future.”

Back toward the city, local parents Maureen Rodgers and Emily Green are both passionate about achieving equality on Frankston City Council.

Maureen Rodgers, an experienced Youth Worker, says “Frankston is home to a wonderful diverse population. At the moment only one third of our council representatives are female. Having more equal gender representation in leadership delivers positive outcomes for both men and women. Diverse perspectives lead to better decision-making, innovative solutions, and a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues.”

Emily Green has actively volunteered in her community and says that “Understanding women’s experiences at a local level is so important for accurate council progression. That starts with women and gender diverse people, younger or older, putting their hand up and feeling pride in knowing that they will be contributing to a deserved level of representation.”

After serving in the community sector for years, Samantha-Jane Potter sees the opportunities to continue her passionate community work as a Councillor on Cardinia Shire Council. “Cardinia has had a great female Mayor before, who did wonderful things for our community. I want to strengthen her message and build upon her great work. As a mother of a culturally diverse family, I want to show my own daughter and young Women everywhere that our voices are important”.

Some Councils like Glen Eira City Council have recently achieved a majority of women, a milestone that Arabella Daniel hopes to see continue in October. “It’s critical that we continually strive to hear from fresh, new and diverse voices. I am passionate about serving the Glen Eira community and will ensure evidence-based decision making, founded on council’s guiding values. I am committed to bettering community health and wellbeing through action on local air quality, the climate emergency and reduction of pollution and waste.”

These women are part of a cohort of over 120 who have participated in the Women Leading Locally Fellowship, equipping them with the skills to hit the ground running as effective councillors following the elections in October this year.

The Women Leading Locally Fellowship is supported by the Victorian Government to meet the state’s target of 50% women councillors by 2025. Women participating in the program also represent other historically underrepresented groups including Aboriginal women, young women, culturally and linguistically diverse women, women living with disability and women who identify as LGBTQI+.

Allison Winters asks the people of Victoria, “As we approach the local government elections, we extend a call to voters to stand with your local women and gender-diverse candidates. Your support through voting, volunteering, and supporting our campaigns will be instrumental in advancing equality and representation in our communities.”