This Suffrage Day, Global Women CEO Agnes Naera shares her whakaaro on the progress of gender equity in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the work that still needs to be done.
“Today, we celebrate 131 years since women in our nation gained the right to vote, becoming the first self-governing country in the world to grant full suffrage to women,” Agnes shares on NZHerald.co.nz.
“While this historic achievement marked a formidable leap forward, it was merely the beginning of a long journey towards comprehensive gender equality — a journey we continue today.”
While the victory of 1893 was a crucial catalyst for the societal shift towards gender equity, Agnes points out that the gender equity journey has been different for wāhine Māori. At the time of the suffrage movement, wāhine Māori were already guides, advocates and leaders in their own communities.
“This context highlights the distinct yet interconnected experiences of women in Aotearoa, necessitating a holistic understanding of our progress over the past century,” says Agnes.
Today, women in Aotearoa New Zealand hold leadership positions in business and government, and actively contribute across all sectors of the economy. The country has seen three Prime Ministers and four Governor Generals who were women, and a slow increase in women in politics.
However, despite making up more than 50% of the population, women still comprise only 48% of the total workforce. Economic downturns, such as experienced in the Covid-19 pandemic, continue to disproportionately impact women, and across the country women continue to encounter pay inequities.
“For Māori and Pasifika women, this disparity is even more pronounced,” says Agnes. “Additionally, we must address the gendered health and retirement gaps that impact women’s overall well-being in the long term.”
With women continuing to be hit hardest by the ongoing recession, there is a pressing need for leaders and policymakers to support women in the workforce. Global Women is committed to a future where all women in Aotearoa New Zealand have a voice and can succeed.
“While progress may not always be straightforward, we can advance together, united in our vision to see remarkable women running and raising our countries, companies, and communities,” says Agnes.
“Me aro koe ki te hā o Hineahuone – Pay heed to the dignity of women.”
Read the full story over at NZHerald.co.nz.