- Issue date
- 20 December 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa
As I write my end of year message for 2024, I think back to all the achievements we have collectively made for women and girls over the last twelve months.
Last month’s launch of the new business-led gender pay gap toolkit has been a particular highlight for me, and I would like to thank all the organisations and businesses that supported its development, including Global Women and Champions for Change, Business NZ, and the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women (NACEW).
L-R: Carrie Hurighanganui (Chief Executive, Auckland Airport), Kellie Coombes, and Nurain Janah (business leader and NACEW member) at the launch of the gender pay gap toolkit, Auckland, 13 November 2024.
I’m looking forward to working with businesses across the country to roll out the toolkit over the coming months, and I hope that through this work we can start to tackle the impacts of gender pay gaps and improve economic outcomes for women.
Representing New Zealand at the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) examination in Geneva at the United Nations in October was another highlight. We had the opportunity to showcase the work that’s been done in New Zealand to make a positive impact for women and girls, and the CEDAW committee were particularly complimentary of the work we’ve done to raise the value and visibility of women and girls.
Members of the New Zealand delegation (sitting front row) with representatives from organisations across New Zealand who also presented to the CEDAW Committee to share their perspectives on gender equality and progress, United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland, October 2024.
And when I think about raising the visibility of women and what they can achieve, I look at the outstanding performance of our women athletes at this year’s Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. Watching them storm the international stage and bring home so many of the medals won by the NZ Team filled me with so much pride. It was such a great demonstration of what women are capable of when they are supported to succeed.
It’s similar to what I’ve felt many times over this year, as in my role I have the privilege of attending some of the events to acknowledge the amazing achievements of women, such as our rural, wāhine Māori in business and governance leaders paving the way.
Thank you to all the individuals and organisations working to support women and girls. I am proud to partner with so many of you to make a real difference and look forward to working together next year.
Meri Kirihimete!
Noho ora mai
Kellie Coombes
Te Tumu Whakarae mō te Wahine | Secretary for Women and Chief Executive
