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Gippsland Women's Health secures funding to combat gendered violence in local government workplaces

Mayor and One Gippsland Chair Cr Ian Bye expresses delight at funding success for a collaborative project addressing gendered violence and harassment in Gippsland's councils.

By news@gippsland - 18th January 2024 - Back to News

One Gippsland has congratulated Gippsland Women's Health on their funding success for a unique program that aims to reduce gendered violence and sexual harassment in local government workplaces across Gippsland.

The initiative receives support from the WorkSafe WorkWell Respect Fund and Respect Network, funded by the Victorian state government and delivered by WorkSafe Victoria

Joint effort against violence

Wellington Shire Council Mayor and Chair of One Gippsland Cr Ian Bye said "We are thrilled with the successful outcome of this funding application and the opportunity to work with Gippsland Women's Health, TAFE Gippsland, Federation University and Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault to eliminate gendered violence and sexual harassment across all six Gippsland councils."

The project aims to build the capacity of local government to respond to gendered violence and sexual harassment in the workplace, and to prevent violence before it occurs. "Unfortunately, local government entities in Gippsland have advised the Gender Equality Commission that up to 9% of their employees have informally reported sexual harassment in the workplace. We need to do better to create a safer and more respectful workplace for everyone, and in turn a healthier community," Cr Bye explained.

Advocating for workplace equality

CEO of Gippsland Women's Health, Kate Graham. "Preventing gendered violence in the workplace is achieved through systemic change. This change begins with the support and acknowledgment from the state government, and through the commitment of local government leadership to take action. We are excited to continue our work and scale up our efforts with Local Councils in ending gendered violence, which continues to impact our region year on year."

Gippsland has some of the highest rates of gendered and family violence in Victoria, with three local government areas ranking in the top four LGA's in Victoria for family violence reporting, indicating a culture of violence against women that often filters through into the workplace. The WorkSafe WorkWell Respect Fund and Respect Network are funded by the Victorian state government and delivered by WorkSafe Victoria.

Pictures from One Gippsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com