Geelong women are being encouraged to put their hands up as candidates during council elections later this year following the launch of a new campaign.
Women in Local Democracy’s (WILD) Empowering 50/50×2025 Network launched the Ask Her to Stand campaign on the steps of City Hall on Gheringhap Street on Friday, June 7.
WILD Geelong convenor Jenny Wills said the campaign looked to improve gender equality among state governments, such as City of Greater Geelong council.
“It’s important for people to think about women that they know who could be interested in standing for council and to tap them on the shoulder,” she said.
“It’s very important to have both women and men at that decision making table for all the policy and funding priorities that are taken by council for the residents of the city.
“Women and men bring different life and work experiences to the table…and women make up 51 per cent of the population in Geelong, but forever have been underrepresented on council.”
Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said communities thrived when women were empowered to lead.
“As patron of the empowering women network, I’m encouraging local women to stand for the eleven new wards in the City of Greater Geelong’s council elections in October,” she said.
“Women bring unique perspectives and invaluable experiences to the table, and their participation in local elections is beneficial and essential for a truly representative democracy.
“Over recent years, the voices and experiences of women have helped change public perception and importantly, policies that provide better outcomes, not just for women but for our society.”
