Council empowering women in local government

Monday, 18 January 2016

Council will host a program for women interested in being elected to local government, existing women Councillors or those working in local government.

The education and training program, "Empowering Women in Local Government", is a unique learning opportunity developed by the Australian Local Government Women's Association (ALGWA NSW) and the University of Technology Sydney, Centre for Local Government.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said she was excited by the opportunity to give women a stronger voice in local government.

"There is a level of inequity with the amount of female representation in local government," Cr McKeown said.

"Penrith Council has been at the forefront of gender equity for some time now and has been recognised for its programs to provide equity in its workforce."

The education and training program being held later this month is aiming to educate and inspire more women to nominate and be elected as local government councillors.

Penrith Council's own long term commitment to gender equity was recognised in 2010 in receiving a bronze award in the 50:50 Vision - Councils for Gender Equity program which is a national accreditation program.

Council's Gender Equity Steering Committee developed an Action Plan that outlined 16 actions under four themes - leadership; nomination and recruitment; remuneration, recognition and training and work and family balance. The Steering Committee is overseeing the actions and also working towards silver accreditation in the 50:50 Vision program.

Further course information can be found at algwa.org.au

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Monday, 18 January 2016.