Submission to the Ministry of Women's Affairs Action Plan for Women

This submission was developed by the women of the Green Party of Aotearoa. The Green Party represents a membership of over 4000 people.

This submission was developed by small focus group discussions with Green Party and Young Green women. Comments from both groups were developed in to a discussion document, which was distributed to the Green Women section of the Green Party. Feedback was incorporated in to this final submission.

What is your vision for New Zealand women?

The Greens envision a world where women's experience, knowledge, wisdom, work, and contribution is recognised, valued, and treasured. We recognise that this will require a dismantling of patriarchal power structures at all levels and that women in management positions adopting patriarchal and hierarchical models of using power do not represent progress for women as a gender or humans as a species. The Greens want a future where women are safe from violence, abuse and ill health and are able to fulfil their potential at every level of the community. The redefinition of communities based around women and children and their fundamental rights and needs is a long-term vision we support.

Are the current goals for women still relevant?

The Greens believe the goals outlined by the Ministry are still relevant. However, we believe these goals don't go far enough in terms of addressing the underlying systematic discrimination against women in Aotearoa.

What goals would you suggest and why?

We believe that the following should also be key goals:

1. Women should be safe from violence
   The Greens are committed to rebuilding strong, supportive communities and promoting peaceful relationships from the individual to the international level. Breaking the cycle of violence is the first major step to be made towards this goal. Men's programmes need a feminist analysis included in their delivery and in their accountability. When the refuges are empty we will know we have addressed these issues.

2. Environmental Leadership
   Throughout the world, both historically and today, women have often played leadership roles in promoting environmental issues. Women as mothers and carers are often the first to feel the impact of environmental degradation and the first to develop sustainable living and the maintenance of local biodiversity.
   The goal of environmental leadership is to ensure women of Aotearoa fully participate in environmental decision-making on a local, national, and an international level.

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