YWCA Canberra has today released its 2020 ACT election platform, outlining an achievable vision for a gender equal Canberra to be progressed in the next term of government.
Towards 2024 reflects YWCA Canberra’s longstanding priorities in the areas of safe, secure and affordable housing, preventing violence against women and valuing early childhood education.
The Towards 2024 platform has been informed by quantitative research, the needs of YWCA Canberra’s clients, members and supporters and the insights gained from YWCA Canberra’s Our Lives: Women in the ACT research report, which surveyed nearly 1100 Canberra women to understand the lived experience of women in the Territory.
Priority policy asks include:
• Lift the supply of family homes available through the Affordable Home Purchase Program to better meet market demand
• Implement Respectful Relationships Education for all staff and students from P-12 and tertiary education, including students in special needs schools
• Fully fund the extension of universal access to early childhood education and care to three-year-old children.
YWCA Canberra CEO Frances Crimmins said the upcoming ACT election was an important opportunity to address the gendered inequality that has been exacerbated during the pandemic.
“This year has challenged all Canberrans, but we know the financial insecurity, additional unpaid caring responsibilities and greater risk of domestic and family violence has disproportionately impacted women” said Ms Crimmins.
“It is more important than ever that Canberra’s women and children are central to the election and the next ACT Government’s plan. We call on political leaders to consider the practical policy solutions outlined in this platform and build lasting change for women and girls in Canberra.”
As part of its election advocacy, YWCA Canberra will once again be hosting a Meet the Candidate event to enable locals to get to know and put questions to female candidates from across the political spectrum, with local Canberrans invited to attend the popular event on Thursday 17 September.
Media contact: Zoya Patel, Executive Director of Communications, Advocacy and Engagement, 0455 655 330.