Carrying forward the legacy of women empowerment, the Marshall Liberal Government projected its strong commitment to emancipate women by outlining the South Australian Women’s Leadership and Economic Security Strategy 2021-24. It elaborates on how the government will work with agencies, businesses, and community organisations to ensure the thrivingness of women in the present and future. 

The three crucial areas of the four-year strategy are: employment and entrepreneurship,  leadership and recognition, and financial well-being. 

Various actions will be taken like encouraging and fostering women’s participation and leadership in South Australia’s burgeoning high-tech sector through partnering. The government will also be giving and promoting opportunities to increase women’s participation in apprenticeships, traineeships, construction, and STEM areas. The strategy will also work towards increasing leadership opportunities and platforms for recognition for women leaders of all ages. Promoting and nurturing flexible workplaces and working across the government to address the gender pay gap will also be the top priority. Granting and encouraging paid domestic and family violence leaves to ensure that women experiencing violence stay employed and have some form of financial reliability is also a noble aspect of the strategy.

Premier Steven Marshall highlighted the importance of women’s role in building the future of the state. He believes that South Australia has a huge talent pool and the advantages should be directed towards the benefit of women, their families, and the state as a whole. Ensuring the financial independence of women and creating a host of equal career opportunities for them is the prerogative of the state. 

Michelle Lensink, Minister for Human Services affirmed that South Australia has a proud history of championing women and the four-year strategy will drive the much-needed change. She added, “As South Australia recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to ensure women and girls have the same opportunity as men to participate in our economy and realise their potential to lead across all areas of our community,”