Girls and young women from Victoria’s Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) community visited the Parliament of Victoria for a discussion on women’s leadership, public service and gender equality.
The visit was hosted by Victorian MP Juliana Addison and attended by Deputy Premier Gabrielle Williams, Pauline Richards, Eden Foster, Sarah Connolly and Lily D’Ambrosio.
According to Addison, the group met with Labor women MPs to discuss leadership pathways, women’s representation in politics and public life, and the experiences of women serving in parliament.
Williams addressed the group on her first day as Deputy Premier, speaking about leadership, representation and the role of women in government.
The discussion also covered gender equality, economic participation and efforts to reduce barriers that can affect women and girls in education, employment, leadership and community life.
Addison said it was valuable to hear from young women about their aspirations and interest in leadership, and to discuss how greater representation can encourage more women to participate in public decision-making.
The event formed part of broader engagement between community organisations and members of parliament, with a focus on civic participation and leadership opportunities for young women from diverse backgrounds.
Community visits to Parliament House are regularly used by schools, cultural organisations, faith communities and youth groups to learn about the parliamentary process and meet elected representatives.
The BAPS community has an established presence in Victoria and is involved in a range of educational, cultural and volunteer initiatives. Leadership engagement programs involving community organisations and parliamentarians are often aimed at encouraging greater participation by young people in public institutions and civic life.
The Victorian Government has introduced a range of policies related to gender equality, women’s workforce participation and leadership representation, while discussion continues across Australia about improving women’s representation in political, business and community leadership roles.
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