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She Votes hoping to inspire better gender equality policies

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With the federal election looming, the time for the political parties to establish their gender equality policies has never been more important.

That’s according to She Votes founder Louise Rose, who’s leading the charge for clear and succinct strategies from our leaders.

Established in 2021 by the Merewether local, the organisation is a non-bipartisan initiative designed to:

  • Generate conversation and increase knowledge around gender equality challenges in Australia;
  • Influence all political parties to make concrete promises to address gender equality as part of the federal election campaign. The expectation is these promises need to have committed funding; and
  • Provide a space where all voters can view and compare political parties promises and funding related to gender equality.

“I’ve always had a passion for equality, human rights and, in particular, gender equality,” Louise said.

“The past 18 months have been tough for Australian women.

“I knew I wanted to do something about the lack of structural change and commitment we’re seeing from the political parties.

“So, the idea for She Votes came to me.”

She Votes is pursuing a two-prong approach.

Firstly, sharing information to educate the public about the status of women in Australia generally and encouraging them to sign a petition to politicians.

Secondly, focusing on the four main political parties, She Votes aims to provide transparency to Australians on what these parties are committing to do to improve gender equality at the next election.

Louise hopes She Votes will help voters determine which party’s policies align with their beliefs, as well as their level of commitment.

“We’re not deciding for you who to vote for,” she said.

“We want Australians to be informed and you select based on what is important to you.

“The past two years have been particularly challenging for women in Australia, with startling statistics on the increase of domestic violence cases and economic disruption caused by the pandemic.

“Australia is actually going backwards in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Index.

“In 2006, we were ranked 15 out of 150 countries.

“But, in 2021, we’ve since slipped 35 places.”

Recognising many believe gender equality is a “woman’s issue”, Louise wants to stress the importance that women’s issues are “everyone’s issues”.

“If you have a mother, a sister or a friend who identifies as female, then ‘women’s issues’ are your issues,” she said.

“We need everyone’s voices give our nation better chance of achieving gender equality sooner.

“The language politicians understand more than any other is votes.

“And, we want them to know that we’ll be voting based on gender equality policies.”

If you want to learn more about She Votes and its goals for the next election, head to the website or sign the petition.

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