Female Local Councillors
Indicator Rationale
Women’s political representation in local government in Australia has never reflected the proportion of women in the population, although women are frequently involved in community activities and community activism.
Local government, as an integral part of the national structure of governance, is the level of government closest to the citizens. It is therefore in the best position to involve women in the making of decisions concerning their living conditions and to make use of their knowledge and capabilities in sustainable development.
Local democracy is not just a formal value; it must be continuously updated and revised, ensuring genuine equality and participation to all. Women must play an essential role as representatives and citizens, and the duty to ensure that all our services take their leadership skills, needs and aspirations fully into account. (International Union of Local Authorities (IULA), 1998, pp.1-2)
Data Source
Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV)
The MAV undertakes an analysis of council election results, which includes information on the election of female councillors. Data are based on the most recent election for each council - November 2004 (25 LGAs) and November 2005 (54 LGAs).
From 2008, all Victorian councils will go to the polls on the same day - the last Saturday in November - every four years.
Measure
Female Local Councillors: expressed as a percentage of all councillors.
References
Cumberland, R. (2000) Gendered Gerrymanders: A Study of Women Candidates in the 1997 Victorian Local Government Elections. Unpublished PhD Thesis: University of Melbourne.
