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Working to break the bias

7 Mar 2022

For North Central Catchment Management Authority HR manager Trephina Marek, breaking the bias and forging women’s equality is part of everyday life.

“The Water for Victoria strategy called for the development of more female leaders in the water sector, and we have responded at the CMA,” she said.

“We are coming to the conclusion of our five year Diversity Inclusion Plan of which gender equality was a major pillar and have developed a Gender Equality Action Plan to take us into the future.

“Diversity in decision making is really important. If there are only men sitting around the table, then half the population is not being represented in the discussion.”

But for Trephina, it’s more than just a job.

“One of the key reasons I am passionate about this issue is equity in the workplace is a major factor in preventing family violence,” she said.

“Having resources and connections is important for women being able to flee family violence.

“And it’s also important for men to have experience working with empowered women.”

Trephina’s passion for gender equity also extends to the wider community.

She’s a part of the City of Greater Bendigo Gender Equity Coalition, which is committed to leading actions that promote gender equality across our community and develop, share, and progress initiatives.

“Through the things we can influence in our own organisation – training, modelling behaviours and implementing change – we can also influence in the community,” she said.

“As a community we can ensure everyone feels safe and respected and has access to resources free from violence.

“Next, it’s about intersectionality. It’s about identifying the additional barriers in the way for indigenous women, women with a disability, and women from different cultures.”

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