Gender equality: NZ ranks highly

Ian McKelvie Photo/File

Saturday, March 8 is International Women's Day. It's a great opportunity to celebrate women's contribution to our families, our communities and our society.

This year's theme is "Equality for women is progress for all". It captures acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. This theme resonates strongly in New Zealand, as we led the world in recognising that women should have an equal say. Since that time, New Zealand women have gone on to progress in all spheres of life.

Together we have a great legacy to follow.

Women make a huge contribution, and they're a big part of New Zealand's future - that's why the National-led government is increasing the participation of women in the New Zealand economy by investing in key areas such as education, health and justice.

In fact, under National the participation of women in the economy is stronger than ever. We are ranked in the top seven countries in the world for overall gender equality. According to the 2014 Household Labour Force Survey, women's participation in the labour market has risen to 63.4 per cent. What's more, since 2006 more women are gaining formal qualifications with the number of women holding a bachelor's degree or higher increasing by 100,500 to 339,700.

But there is more work to be done. We have taken active steps in championing research to identify, confront and mitigate barriers to women's economic independence and leadership. Through initiatives such as the Equal Futures Partnership, Building Back Better, E Tu Ake! Stand Tall and Proud, Women in Transport Action Plan, and Realising the Opportunity: Addressing New Zealand's leadership pipeline, New Zealand women are more able and more likely to be economically independent now than at any other time over the past 30 years.

Along with 60 other governments throughout the world, National has also committed to a comprehensive approach towards ending violence against women and girls. This includes initiatives such as the Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families, Family Violence Ministerial Group and the Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme.

The latest results show that our approach is working. The total crime rate has fallen 13 per cent, the violent crime rate has fallen 9 per cent, the youth crime rate has fallen 22 per cent and the reoffending rate is down 11.4 per cent. This means safer communities for our women, children and their families.

As we mark International Women's Day, we have the opportunity to celebrate the integral role women play in our society and our economy, as well as the gains we have made. It also provides a great opportunity to reflect on how we can further progress opportunities for women.

One last thing: Congratulations to Wanganui Zonta for hosting a breakfast at the Springvale Garden Centre yesterday to mark International Women's Day.