Gender equality CAN be achieved

I believe that achieving gender equality is about more than merely providing the same opportunities to women and girls as those provided to men and boys. It is also about removing the barriers that have been erected over many years and that keep women and girls from full participation.

It is often asserted that barriers to participation are to be expected whenever people are required to take time off work to have children and to care for them. However, it is my opinion, and one that I think is fundamental to the achievement of gender equality, that the natural process of childbirth should never be an excuse for excluding an entire half of the population from having a stimulating and fulfilling life.

But I also think that the most important thing about achieving gender equality is that what I think is not important. I am capable of supporting environments that are supportive, inclusive, and encouraging but it would not be my place to tell women and girls what is needed for them to be empowered.

I am the President of JCI Melbourne and I am proud to lead an organisation that is taking steps to eliminate violence and poverty, encourage diversity of opinion, and to work with women to support women and achieve true gender equality. I encourage anybody who is willing to help us achieve these goals to meet my fellow directors and I on Thursday 24 November in support of the White Ribbon foundation and to see there some examples of the great work that JCI members are capable of.