City council approved a Women’s Equity Strategy Wednesday, Jan. 17, a decision Vision Coun. Andrea Reimer called “a big step forward for women in Vancouver.”
The 10-year strategy outlines how to make the city “a fair, safe and inclusive city for all women, including self-identified women,” according to a press release from the City of Vancouver.
Council: Women's Equity Strategy passes unanimously! Powerful words from @MayorGregor and every single councillor. It's a big step forward for women in Vancouver and only possible by a lot of hard work from the Women's Advisory Committee, fierce community advocates and City staff
— Andrea Reimer 惠綺文 (@andreareimer) January 17, 2018
The strategy, which will be rolled out immediately, deals with issues faced by women in five priority areas:
- applying an intersectional lens to strengthen city processes and inform decision-making
- addressing safety, including violence against women
- accessible, quality childcare
- safe and affordable housing
- women’s leadership and representation within the city’s workforce
Fifteen people spoke at council in favour of the strategy, which was approved unanimously.
Gender Equity is not a women’s issue it is a human rights issue. Council all speak in support of Vancouver A City for All Gender Equity Strategy. #vanpoli
— Ellen Woodsworth (@ellenwoodsworth) January 17, 2018
Unanimous and emotionally sincere support for new Women’s Equity Strategy for @CityofVancouver. Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to make it happen. pic.twitter.com/QTE4sNsGf7
— Catherine Evans (@catherineevans) January 17, 2018
“We know that if we want to achieve true gender parity, where women are involved in the decisions that affect their lives, there is still much to be done," Tina Strehlke, interim CEO at Minerva B.C., is quoted as saying.
"I am happy that this strategy is well placed to make progress in crucial areas that impact people on a daily basis. The collaborative approach and the actions laid out for future work will improve women’s equity in Vancouver.
City manager Sadhu Johnston said the vision is for a city where gender is not a barrier to opportunities or resources.
“This strategy will help us move towards this goal. In that, we intend to implement the strategy’s actions immediately, including the steps we will take in the leadership and representation priority,” he said.
Once in a while it happens here @CityofVancouver Unanimous support for Gender Equality Strategy! Thanks to staff and Women’s Advisory Committee for great work #vanpoli #equality #genderparity
— Melissa De Genova (@MelissaDeGenova) January 17, 2018
Phase one actions were identified for 2018 and 2019 in each priority area within the strategy. City staff will coordinate their implementation.
Staff will also work in consultation with the Women’s Advisory Committee to consider feedback during consultations about potential actions over the next eight years of the strategy. Progress will be measured across all city departments and reported out regularly.
In 2019, staff will provide a progress report to council and outline actions for implementation in the next phase of the strategy.
More details on the new Women’s Equity Strategy can be found here.
The full presentation to council can be found here.