Women raise their voices

Published on 21 February 2019

Major issues and challenges facing women in Western Sydney have been raised at a forum organised by Blacktown City Council.

More than 70 people from across Western Sydney attended the Women’s Forum 2019, on Tuesday night at Blacktown Civic Centre.

Blacktown City Councillor and Chairperson of the Blacktown Women’s Advisory Committee, Julie Griffiths said: “The forum raised issues including domestic violence, women’s health, challenges of aging and gender economic equality in a workshop setting.

“The forum gave women a voice in setting funding priorities and programs for women in Western Sydney,” Councillor Griffiths said.

Other issues raised at the forum included; the provision of quality women’s health care, transport for the aging population and the need for stricter planning controls to encourage healthier food options in the region.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “Blacktown City Council provides a variety of platforms for the community to raise important issues.

“Council’s aim is to constantly improve the lives of women and engaging with our wider community is a valuable tool in achieving that aim.”

Attendees at the forum included leaders from community groups and services across Western Sydney and representatives from Penrith, Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool Councils and Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC).

Outcomes from the forum will be documented and presented to Councils, politicians and candidates in Western Sydney to lobby for improved services, programs and opportunities for women in the region.