Developing a case for change

Acknowledge existing efforts on gender equality

Your GEAP can provide a summary of the work your organisation has already done on gender equality.

This may include specific programs, policies, involvement in networks, events and campaigns, and key milestones in the sector.

You could present this information in different ways, such as a timeline, visual representation or a written description.

Documenting your organisation’s gender equality journey in the GEAP can:

• provide a base to build upon and a context for ongoing efforts
• create a space to celebrate efforts to date
• demonstrate change of focus and learning over time.

With each iteration of the GEAP, you can describe the learning, progress, any change of focus over time and how this history has shaped the current approach.

Align with other equality commitments

Your GEAP should complement other strategies or measures relating to other factors. These include Aboriginality, age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and any other attribute.

Aligning these strategies with your GEAP will provide a consistent and coordinated approach across your organisation.

This includes:

• summarising existing strategies, plans and policies that contain gender equality commitments. For example, strategic plans, plans for diversity and inclusion, health and wellbeing, marketing, and actions to prevent gender-based violence
• any related programs in the workplace, such as those on working arrangements, complaint processes or leave
• strategies focused on Aboriginal employment and employees, age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and other attributes. For instance, consider your accessibility action plan and reconciliation action plan. Consider any existing workplace targets relating to gender equality.

You can indicate in the GEAP whether strategies are new or existing commitments.

You can also cross-reference to actions in other strategies and plans.

This shows the relationship between the GEAP and other policies, plans and programs. It can also make the GEAP feel more manageable.

You may also want to explain the relationship between your GEAP and other commitments at the industry and state level.

For example:

• industry initiatives or stakeholder projects
• relevant national or international commitments that may support your GEAP.