A statement on behalf of Bendigo Community Health Services
By CEO Gerard José
Bendigo Community Health Services is a proud member of the Greater Bendigo Coalition for Gender Equity.
We are committed to working together to advance gender equity, prevent violence against women and diminish all forms of domestic violence, racism and exclusion.
The recent attack on the Victorian Minister for Women, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams is totally unacceptable.
The language used to denigrate Ms Williams is an example of verbal abuse that reinforces that only men should be in positions of power and feel entitled to use such degrading expressions against women providing strong leadership in our community.
These are tactics that seek to control and subdue women and generate fear for other women who may seek leadership positions.
The outcome of such behaviour only reinforces distrust in politics being solely about male power and not about advancing a civil society focused on being inclusive of all people.
BCHS supports the vision that: “A community where all people are respected, safe to participate in all aspects of community life and have equitable access to the resources they need to succeed in achieving their aspirations, whilst living in a community that is free from violence against women”.
Gender inequality is the cause and consequence of violence against women.
People who wish to condone such attitudes as part of the rough and tumble of politics are condoning disrespect towards women and reinforcing men’s control of decision making and limiting a woman’s independence.
As a male with the privilege to be in a leadership role in a wonderful community-based organisation, speaking out is important to add my voice to those condemning such views being held about and against women.
Ms Williams, our local state members of parliament Jacinta Allan and Maree Edwards, our federal member Lisa Chesters, our local Mayor Margaret O’Rourke and our Bendigo Community Health Services Board Chair Vicki Pearce have led by example in supporting collective social change to sustain gender equality.
These women proudly represent the women who work across our organisation and many others and it's time that we speak out.
We will continue to support and acknowledge them all.
We are all in this together.
We are all responsible.
Words do matter!
Gerard José
Chief Executive Officer
Bendigo Community Health Services