Addressing Family Violence and Gender Equality
Gender inequality is the key driver of violence against women . It is also a significant health issue for those who experience discrimination and family violence . Merri Health is deeply invested in promoting gender equity and preventing and supporting people experiencing family violence .
ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT FOR AT-RISK COMMUNITIES
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Our vision is “ a better future for our community that is free from violence and is gender equitable , safe and respectful ”.
Our Gender Equality Strategy focuses on :
• leadership , strategy and accountability
• developing a gender balanced workforce
• gender pay equity
• support for caring
• mainstreaming flexible working
• preventing gender-based harassment and discrimination , sexual harassment and bullying
• driving change beyond your workplace
What did we achieve ?
Employer of Choice from the Workplace gender Equality Agency for the 4th time
1.9 % gender pay gap in Merri Health workforce , down from 13.2 %
81 % of Meri Health leaders have undertaken gender equality training
launched our Family Violence and Gender Equality Strategic Action
Plan 2022-23 with
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actions to support our objectives developed and launched a Merri Health Gender Analysis Tool to assist program design
led the Elder Abuse Prevention Network in Northern and Metropolitan Regions
developed an action plan to align our programs with the Multi Agency Risk Assessment and Management ( MARAM ) Framework to ensure best practice for a sector-wide approach to respond to family violence
implemented a dedicated family violence and gender equality communications plan reaching
9,000 people on social media ( Facebook , LinkedIn and Twitter )
ran internal and external campaigns to support International Women ’ s Day , Domestic Violence Awareness Month , Elder Abuse Awareness Week
APPLYING A GENDER LENS TO PROGRAM DESIGN
We launched the Merri Health Gender Analysis Template to assist teams to apply a gender lens to program design and planning . The tool uses the term ‘ people of all gender identities ’.
Based on different tools with a move away from the binary language commonly used , it can help with deeper conversations , reflections , planning and implementing our programs in inclusive and genderresponsive ways .
ACTIVE ADVOCATE AND PARTNER
We seek opportunities to contribute to government policy and social change based on information gained from the communities we serve .
Key activity this year included :
• partnered with 26 other organisations in Building a Respectful Community Strategy 2022-2026 . The strategy outlines our commitment across the Northern Metropolitan Region to end gender-based violence
• led a submission to the Inquiry into Economic Equity for Victorian Women that highlighted the impact on women caring for children with disability , benefits of community leadership programs for women ’ s employment and options for government policy in response to our observations