THE NSW Government is inviting women across the state to shape the direction and priorities of the next NSW Women’s Strategy, with public consultation now open.

The NSW Women’s Strategy provides a policy framework to help improve the lives of women by addressing the structural issues that affect gender equality.

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Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said it’s important that the Strategy reflects the priorities and experiences of a diverse range of women and specifically invites women located in regional areas to provide feedback.

“Getting the next Strategy right relies on us understanding what is working well for women and what areas we need to focus on,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The more women we hear from, the better understanding we have of what we need to do to improve the lives of all women in our state, no matter their age, their background or their postcode.

“We’ve made incredible progress in improving economic opportunity for women in NSW since the last strategy was released four years ago, but there is still work to be done to improve women’s health and wellbeing and increase women’s participation in our communities.”

The strategy will expand upon the pillars discussed in the 2018-2022 Strategy, being economic opportunity and advancement, health and wellbeing and participation and empowerment.

“The NSW Government’s Women’s Economic Opportunities Review will consider how to improve women’s economic participation and propose reform opportunities to address structural and non-structural barriers to entry and participation, and support parents to be able to balance work and life,” a representative from Women NSW said.

The second pillar identifies the range of health needs required to maximise women’s physical, social and economic potential.

“Health and wellbeing deliver quality of life and underpins social and economic participation.

“And while the women of NSW live longer and healthier lives than their predecessors, and many health indicators are showing an upward trend, there are still areas we can improve,” Women NSW said.

The third pillar of participation and empowerment is broad, with the intent to be applicable for a number of different roles and activities.

“This pillar is broad, ranging from the levels of representation of women in key leadership roles to visibility in public life; from participation in sport and other social activities to access to secure social networks.

“It considers how we change the forces that are currently leading to negative attitudes towards women and girls and change the conversation publicly to enable women to safely engage in public and economic life,” Women NSW said.

Public consultation is open to all women, and any individuals or organisations that work closely with women.

Online public consultation is open from Tuesday 24 May until 5pm Monday 20 June.

To read more about the strategy or share your input, visit the Have Your Say website: haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/nsw-womens-strategy-consultation

By Tara CAMPBELL