UN report reads like deja vu

A United Nation report calling for an action plan for New Zealand Women reads like déjà vu, says Labour’s Women’s Affairs spokesperson, Sue Moroney

The high-ranking UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) has criticised the Government for its lack of progress on initiatives that support New Zealand women.

“Labour had an ambitious and thorough plan in place for New Zealand women. It was scrapped by National in 2009,” Sue Moroney said.

“The Government has now been taken to task over decisions it has made that affect women, with the report highlighting employment, pay equity, health and education as areas in need of urgent attention.

“It’s no wonder John Key’s government is losing traction with women. Its policies don’t have their best interests at heart.

“The report’s recommendations include a rethink of National’s decision to scrap the Pay and Employment Equity Unit as well as completing an independent analysis of the gendered effects of changes to collective bargaining.

“New Zealand used to lead on women’s rights, sadly we now have a Government that is taking us backwards,” Sue Moroney said.