A re-elected Labour Government has affirmed its dedication to the advancement of women’s health, employment, and legal rights, as stated by Women’s Spokesperson Jan Tinetti. These commitments are outlined in Labour’s inaugural Women’s Manifesto, continuing a strong legacy of championing women’s rights in Aotearoa New Zealand, a legacy that faces potential challenges under a different administration.
Labour’s commitment is rooted in the pursuit of a more equitable society for all women, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances, as articulated by Jan Tinetti: “Every woman should have the opportunity to reach her full potential.”
Over the past six years, Labour has delivered significant achievements in women’s health, employment, justice, and financial empowerment. From reforms in abortion laws to achieving pay equity settlements benefiting over 150,000 individuals, substantial progress has been made.
The Women’s Package, part of Labour’s election platform, underscores the party’s dedication to women’s well-being, employment opportunities, pay equity, financial independence, entrepreneurship, and justice. One notable proposal is the creation of a scholarship program, developed in collaboration with business leaders, aimed at low- to middle-income women aspiring to establish small businesses.
In the realm of women’s health, Labour seeks to expand breast cancer screening accessibility by increasing the maximum age for free screenings from 69 to 74, thus enabling an additional 115,000 women to access this life-saving program. Additionally, the party plans to provide free cervical screening services to all women and cervix-owners aged 25 to 69, eliminating co-payment barriers to early detection.
Labour also intends to implement a national action plan for endometriosis, enhancing awareness, clinical management, and care surrounding this condition. Measures to improve cost-of-living support and address benefit entitlement disparities will be pursued, ensuring single mothers aren’t disadvantaged when entering new relationships.
The party will review how relationship status impacts benefit entitlements, continue funding KiwiSaver contributions during parental leave, and extend 20 hours of free early childhood education to 2-year-olds, reinforcing financial support for women and mothers.
Labour has made notable progress in promoting women’s earnings during its tenure. Women’s average weekly wages have increased by 34.3%, surpassing men’s wages by 6.4%, and outstripping inflation by 23.1%.
Recent achievements include the introduction of paid miscarriage leave, the distribution of free period products in schools nationwide, the removal of abortion from the Crimes Act, and the expansion of ACC coverage to include birthing injuries.
Jan Tinetti concluded by reaffirming Labour’s commitment to women’s rights and gender equality, emphasizing that the suite of actions proposed will help maintain New Zealand’s global leadership in these vital areas.
