'Focus on Women' information papers
Focus on Women information papers are designed to inform and stimulate discussion and debate on the topics they cover and provide a source of information. They are generally not a consultative mechanism (unless specified otherwise) nor do they propose or discuss government policy directions. The information papers are in Adobe PDF format and not available in hard copy.
Please note, these information papers contain previous Office for Women contact details. Current contact details are available at contact us.
- Queensland Women's Right to Vote
- Women and disadvantage
- Women and Leadership
- Women and Superannuation
- Women, Ageing and Participation
- Women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds Forging Success in Small Business
- Women in Local Government
Queensland Women's Right to Vote
The gaining of the right to vote for most women in 1905 has been followed by many significant achievements for and by Queensland women. This information paper also looks at the suffrage movement in Queensland from 1889-1905, which was heavily divided on the issues of class and race. Indigenous women's and men's struggle for voting rights continued for many years with universal Indigenous suffrage being achieved in 1965. In this centenary year, it is timely to discuss how far women's position in Queensland has progressed and what it might look like over the next 100 years.
Queensland Women's Right to Vote information paper
Women and disadvantage
This paper considers the inter-related issues of disadvantage and social exclusion for women. In particular, it identifies some of the economic and social aspects of women's disadvantage and considers how these might be experienced and/or compounded for specific groups of women. It also identifies support within Queensland that aims to ensure all women have the opportunity to shape, transform, access and realise the benefits of the Smart State.
Women and Leadership
The purpose of this information paper is to discuss formal and informal strategies to help improve women's participation in leadership and decision making roles in Queensland. It examines the meaning of leadership, women's participation in leadership throughout their life stages, leadership and cultural diversity, and possible barriers to women's involvement in decision making and community building.
Women and Leadership information paper
Women and Superannuation
It is estimated that by 2019, women will have on average half the amount of superannuation that men will have. This paper considers the issues that contribute to women having lower superannuation balances than men, and suggests some strategies for improving the financial situation of women in retirement.
Women and Superannuation information paper
Women, Ageing and Participation
This paper considers the issue of ageing from the perspective of older women. In particular, it identifies issues that are central to women's economic and social participation and considers what we as a society need to do to ensure that older women are able to remain active participants in their communities. It also identifies support and strategies within Queensland that aim to ensure older women have the opportunity to experience 'positive ageing'.
Women, Ageing and Participation paper
Women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds Forging Success in Small Business
This paper looks at women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds who set up their own business in Queensland. This paper highlights some of the barriers to workforce participation for CALD women, looks at their motivation and pathways to setting up a business and showcases some inspirational CALD women business owners and their experiences. Information on where women can obtain business advice and support is provided.
Women in Local Government
Women are under-represented in local government. This information paper explores current levels of women's participation and examines factors which may inhibit their entry into, or continued involvement in, local government in Queensland. This paper also refers to the strategies outlined in the National Framework for increasing levels of women's participation in local government and aims to inform the work of the recently announced Women in Local Government Strategy Group to increase women's representation in local government in Queensland.
Women in Local Government information paper
Last updated: 9 June 2009
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