11. SUE MORONEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Women's Affairs
What reports, if any, has she received encouraging women to enter non-traditional apprenticeships and trades?
Hon LIANNE DALZIEL (Minister of Women's Affairs) Link to this
Yesterday the human rights commissioner, in the shape of Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Judy McGregor, launched a publication called Give Girls a Go!. This report tells the stories of young women who, through the Modern Apprenticeships programme, have been able to enter areas of employment, such as joinery and building, that were previously considered off limits for women. The publication also contains favourable comments from their employers, who have seen real advantages in encouraging women into non-traditional fields. I commend the report to the House.
Hon LIANNE DALZIEL Link to this
As the report shows, not being aware of opportunities is an enormous barrier to career choices for young women. Unfortunately, there are some groups in New Zealand whose beliefs dictate that men make all the decisions and women are treated as second-class citizens, unable to participate in any areas of New Zealand life. One of these groups is the Exclusive Brethren, whose beliefs limit choices for women, which is why their alignment to a major political party represents such a threat to the advancement of women in New Zealand if its policies were ever to be implemented.