Victorian local government elections could see a return to all-male councils, as fewer women stand because of coronavirus
Source: ABC
There are fears October's local government elections could see a return of all-male councils in Victoria, with concerns fewer women will stand because of coronavirus impacts.
The Colac-Otway Shire in south-west Victoria is one of 14 councils in the state with only one woman — for the past four years that has been Kate Hanson.
"Sometimes I feel like I really stand out because I am the only female on council, but most importantly I feel women need a voice on council," she said.
"So I'm really proud to fulfil that role."
Being the only woman can be a gruelling job at times.
"The culture of the council when you only have one female councillor is — it's male-dominated, our management is male-dominated," Ms Hanson said.
"I've never encountered sexism, but what I have encountered, I guess, is at times the male voices love to be heard first, and it can be tiring trying to push back against that."
Click here to read the full article published by ABC on 29 August 2020.
There are fears October's local government elections could see a return of all-male councils in Victoria, with concerns fewer women will stand because of coronavirus impacts.
The Colac-Otway Shire in south-west Victoria is one of 14 councils in the state with only one woman — for the past four years that has been Kate Hanson.
"Sometimes I feel like I really stand out because I am the only female on council, but most importantly I feel women need a voice on council," she said.
"So I'm really proud to fulfil that role."
Being the only woman can be a gruelling job at times.
"The culture of the council when you only have one female councillor is — it's male-dominated, our management is male-dominated," Ms Hanson said.
"I've never encountered sexism, but what I have encountered, I guess, is at times the male voices love to be heard first, and it can be tiring trying to push back against that."
Click here to read the full article published by ABC on 29 August 2020.
