Help us create a better society for women and girls in NSW

The NSW Government is developing a new NSW Women’s Strategy. The focus of the strategy will be to provide opportunities for women to realise their goals and reduce the barriers that hold back achievement.

To help develop this strategy, we want to hear from women and girls about their experiences and priorities. We will also review evidence on women’s progress and consult with relevant community groups.

The next strategy will focus on three broad ‘pillars’:

  • Economic opportunity
  • Health and well-being
  • Participation and empowerment

The Discussion Paper outlines these pillars in detail and includes questions that will help guide the strategy’s development.

You can have your say about what is important for the next NSW Women’s Strategy in any of the following ways:

  • Complete the online survey. This survey covers all the consultation questions in this Discussion Paper.
  • Or you can access the Easy Read Version of the discussion paper which is designed for audiences with a disability, low literacy or where English is an additional language.
  • In limited cases we can accept submissions. If you would like to make a submission, email us at womenNSW@dpc.nsw.gov.au to let us know.
  • If you have a disability or require translation or other support to have your say, email us at womenNSW@dpc.nsw.gov.au and someone will be in contact with you.

Thank you for your feedback

This consultation is now closed. Thank you for participating and sharing your stories. We are currently reviewing your feedback.

The NSW Government is developing a new NSW Women’s Strategy. The focus of the strategy will be to provide opportunities for women to realise their goals and reduce the barriers that hold back achievement.

To help develop this strategy, we want to hear from women and girls about their experiences and priorities. We will also review evidence on women’s progress and consult with relevant community groups.

The next strategy will focus on three broad ‘pillars’:

  • Economic opportunity
  • Health and well-being
  • Participation and empowerment

The Discussion Paper outlines these pillars in detail and includes questions that will help guide the strategy’s development.

You can have your say about what is important for the next NSW Women’s Strategy in any of the following ways:

  • Complete the online survey. This survey covers all the consultation questions in this Discussion Paper.
  • Or you can access the Easy Read Version of the discussion paper which is designed for audiences with a disability, low literacy or where English is an additional language.
  • In limited cases we can accept submissions. If you would like to make a submission, email us at womenNSW@dpc.nsw.gov.au to let us know.
  • If you have a disability or require translation or other support to have your say, email us at womenNSW@dpc.nsw.gov.au and someone will be in contact with you.

Thank you for your feedback

This consultation is now closed. Thank you for participating and sharing your stories. We are currently reviewing your feedback.

Tell us your story

We want to hear about your experience. Tell us your story about your experience with work and education, health or participation: What happened? What worked well and why? What didn’t it work and why?  What would you like to be different?  

This will help us understand what is happening in your world. 

Please keep your story short and sharp (no more than 500 words). Thank you. 

Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Thank you for your contribution. This engagement is now closed and we are reviewing your feedback.

  • Women and our role as carers

    by Patricia Very tired and frustrated, over 1 year ago
    A couple of years ago my father was diagnosed with dementia. Following issues with neglect by his partner he has now come to live with me. I am a woman aged 53. A senior executive. Nonetheless the aged care system is so, broken so bureaucratic.


    Processes in centrelink are impossible for someone who is 86 with dementia and the lack of support to navigate the system is phenomenal. Having to go into the office to tell us that everything needs to be done on line to only do things on line to be told we had to come in. Coordinating... Continue reading

  • Redundancy while pregnant

    by Alexw, over 1 year ago

    My position was made redundant after 10 years with a company. I was a high performer, achieving strong performance ratings every year. At the time of my redundancy, I was 6 months pregnant. I was shocked to learn that it was legal for my employers to terminate my position while pregnant, and was even more shocked to learn that they did not have to pay out my maternity leave entitlements. While I did receive the statutory pay out I was legally entitled to, this did not compensate me adequately. I lost the security of returning to my role (or an... Continue reading

  • No return to work

    by Eitak, over 1 year ago

    Attempting to return from my second maternity leave. I asked for an extension of leave for 3 months, Employer said no. The company wanted 3 days. I only had formal childcare for 2 days, for both children. My partners employment does not offer any flexible options, no informal supports within the LGA. Employer used ‘operational need’ as the justification for not granting the extension and for the 3 days of work. It took 3 months to have the discussions, the stress interrupted my ability to breastfeed. I presented to the office and resigned. 8 years of work in an industry... Continue reading

  • Elder abuse is hidden

    by SSS, over 1 year ago
    I am 58 yo female, a qualified professional and self-employed. I currently care for my aged mother in her home. She is almost 96 yo and is STILL waiting on a Home Care Package in order to make her life and mine a bit easier. My life is affected by hidden emotional, financial and verbal abuse and neglect propagated by family members led by a significant male member. This abuse is directed at both myself and my mother and creates extra mental stress for us both. I am angry at a society who chooses to mostly ignore such abuse that... Continue reading

  • I dont own a home at 55 because of discriminatory regulation

    by V, over 1 year ago
    I am a qualified scientist, worked fulltime and studied part time at university to get my science degree. I come from a home where my parents on a very low wage could still afford to buy and pay off a mortgage. I married late at 35 in 2002. I am aware of all the factors that have caused the ridiculous housing price increases in Sydney of which there have been 3 in last 20years including bank changing lending criteria from 5 to 20%, 30% increase in our population and extremely low interest rates. But I have never owned a property... Continue reading

  • Health Information gap for Perimenopause and Menopause

    by Rachel (Regional NSW), over 1 year ago

    51% of the population are Women, Menopause is a life event that will affect all of us. For too long women, and trans and non-binary people, have had to endure debilitating symptoms with little support or effective treatment from healthcare services.

    As a 48 year old woman myself I knew nothing about perimenopause until I started to get symptoms in particular excruciating joint pain. My Doctor never suggested to me that it could related to diminishing hormones and it was only after lengthy research on my part that I joined the dots and requested Hormone Replacement Therapy. Within as little... Continue reading

  • Gender Discrimination

    by Bea, over 1 year ago

    I applied for a job, and while waiting for the response I got to know I was pregnant (unplanned pregnancy).

    I was successful, so the day I was going to sign my contract I told them about it (searching for a way we could manage time while on maternity). I's only 2 months pregnant.

    The company rescinded my contract until 2 weeks later when they agreed to proceed.

    I declined the offer due to their behaviour. I put a complaint with human rights, but it can take up to 6 months for a follow up, so disappointing.

  • The Importance of Female Role Models

    by Victoria , over 1 year ago

    My mother found herself raising 5 children alone after attempting 4 marriages. I saw her as a strong independent woman with her vulnerabilities deeply buried as her statues during the 60’s alienated her and her children.

    Unfortunately she did not encourage her daughters to become strong independent woman, in particular myself whom she visualised for marriage in the traditional sense.

    There was a cloud of failure that hung over us which I continue to walk under to this day.

    Marriage motherhood and housekeeping was viewed as the ideal and having not attained this, a deep seated sense of failure persists.

    ... Continue reading

  • I honour her spirited determination everyday.

    by Loudie, over 1 year ago

    Mum died before she reached 50. Worked hard in a society where she had to resign her job when she married, again when she was pregnant and there was no paid maternity leave. Childcare was a friendly neighbour, Divorce was socially unacceptable - so she stayed. Mum volunteered, played sport and found another job to pay the bills. I encourage my daughter to value the independence, support and flexibility that education, social networks and work can bring to women.