Valuing Gender Inclusion

In policy program and design

The Tasmanian Government recognises that all Tasmanians, regardless of gender, have the right to equal access to government programs and services.  It expects the needs, voices and rights of women, men and gender diverse people to be reflected in the development of policies and programs.

Unfortunately the way policies and programs are developed and implemented can sometimes create unintended barriers to gender equality.

Women have been recognised as a group who experience significant inequities based on their gender. For example, it is generally acknowledged that women are more likely than men to have interrupted careers, often due to caring responsibilities. They are more likely to spend less time in the paid workforce, are more likely to be lower paid, and in casual and part-time employment. These circumstances impact on women’s ongoing financial security as well as retirement savings. Recognising these differences when developing policies or programs, or ‘gender mainstreaming’ as it is sometimes referred to, is a key action under the Tasmanian Government’s Tasmanian Women’s Strategy 2018-2021.

By valuing diversity and including women, men and gender diverse people, there will be benefits for all Tasmanians. Addressing the different and diverse needs of these groups will result in better decision making and more effective policies, programs and services.

There are tools available to help policy and program planners to consider the different responsibilities and experiences of women and men when designing policy, programs or service delivery. These tools offer ‘gender inclusive’ models to assist policy makers and program planners identify how a particular policy or program affects women and men.