Christine Milne (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On behalf of Senators Waters, Moore and Singh, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes the launch of the YWCA Australia 'She Speaks' survey, which brings to our attention the voices of 1 600 girls and young women, ages 15 to 30, from across Australia;

(b) recognises that of the survey respondents:

(i) 71 per cent want to be leaders in their community in the future,

(ii) 58 per cent currently consider themselves to be a leader in their family, school, community and/or workplace,

(iii) 90 per cent think that women experience discrimination,

(iv) 80 per cent do not believe that equality has been achieved, and

(v) 79 per cent feel that gender based stereotypes damage their working lives, their sense of self, their safety in relationships, and their leadership capacity,

(c) recognises That the survey respondents called on:

(i) the Prime Minister to lead change on gender stereotypes, and

(ii) the Government to fund programs across their school and university education that will support their leadership development and access to mentors; and

(d) congratulates the YWCA Australia for its 'She Speaks' survey and work on girls and young women's leadership.

Question agreed to.

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I commend the YWCA for the work they do to empower young women and girls to aspire to leadership positions. I also commend the 1,600 girls and young women who participated in the She Speaks survey and brought to life a number of important issues on leadership discrimination and safety. The government is proud to support a range of programs for the benefit of women and girls across government, including providing $450,000 to support the Every Girl program which aims to empower girls aged nine to 14 from disadvantaged areas to become confident engaged leaders who are active in their communities. The policies of the government show a clear commitment to improving outcomes for all women and girls in Australia and globally. I also note that this government's new approach to overseas development assistance requires 80 per cent of investments, regardless of their objectives, to effectively address gender issues in their implementation.

Question agreed to.