Gender Diversity at NZ Ministry of Women's Affairs - Building Gender Balanced Business

• The New Zealand Ministry of Women’s Affairs wants more input from men in its operations and efforts.

• Under the National Party government that took power in late 2008, the ministry is inviting men to its Women in Business Workshop, which aims to produce ideas for use at the national Job Summit.

• The New Zealand Herald reports that “Chief Executive Shenagh Gleisner, in her planning notes for the Government, said, ‘This idea reflects a desire by the ministry to engage more often and more effectively with men.’ “

• Documents made public quote Gleisner as saying that since men make most business decisions “men, as well as women, need to take leadership to ensure New Zealand makes full use of women’s talents and skills”.

• But the Green MP Catherine Delahunty questioned the ministry’s changed approach, saying, “Women have never got rights by asking men to champion them.”

• The National Party has at times discussed eradicating the ministry. But after defeating the Labour Party, it has called for the ministry to be more inclusive.

• Women’s Affairs Minister Pansy Wong has urged ministry officials to take a “participative” approach.

The Herald on Sunday article