Here you will be able to find the latest updates from the Gender Equity Committee of The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory.
August 2021 | |
June 2021 |
Current statistics Women in Management: Our statistics confirm that women are well represented in operations management. However, women are still underrepresented in senior management due to available positions. HR affirms the ideal that all employees are chosen on skills and qualifications, not gender. However, we need to continue to ensure that managers and leaders consider and interview women for every position. Action response will be to encourage managers to continue to identify ways for women to speak into decision-making in their teams and throughout the wider TSA as people of influence
Respect Policy and the complaint process: Confirmed that information is on every notice board on THQ and accessible on the intranet. Respect policy champions are still in place. Discussion on how to communicate the information more effectively in corps and centres it was recommended that managers include a question or reminder in staff meetings.
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April 2021 |
Purpose Statement for Gender Equity: This has now been finalised following the proposed statement being circulated by members to people in their teams for feedback on the statement.
'Together we will work towards eliminating any barriers of sexism and gender bias across The Salvation Army so that everyone is included, valued and empowered to reach their full potential - as God intended.'
The responses were positive regarding the statement, however, some commented that teaching and education on gender will be important, the difference between women's rights and gender equity and biculturalism: addressing gender equity will assist with addressing issues experienced by many cultures.
Inclusion and Diversity will also be discussed and considered by the Personnel Section. |
February 2021 |
Response to the Gender Equity Survey: Discussion was held and focused around the following topics relating to "attitudes towards women":
Gender Equity Action Plan: This is being developed based on the following priorities arising from the survey and The Australia Territory Action Plan.
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In March 2021, the Gender Equity Committee undertook an online survey from the people of our territory. This survey was sent to all those who had Salvation Army email addresses, with an invitation for the survey to be communicated to relevant parties interacting with The Salvation Army. A summary report was compiled from the findings, which can be read below.
Commissioner Julie Campbell, Chair of the Gender Equity Committee and one of our Territorial Leaders writes in response below:
On behalf of our Gender Equity Committee, I want to thank each person (274 people) who shared their thoughts, experiences and hopes with us by completing our Attitudes to Women survey.
I am so grateful to read that many of us see The Salvation Army as a great place to belong, worship, work or serve. Many of you have reflected that The Salvation Army has provided opportunities you may not have had in other churches and organisations.
We are pleased that your honest comments have assisted us in identifying some of the positive attitudes and experiences within The Salvation Army in New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa that reflect the value we place on both women and men.
However, your feedback has also identified attitudes and systems that hinder and prevent women staff and officers from flourishing. We are deeply sorry and apologise for any hurt and disappointment caused in the past and we assure you that we will use the information that you have shared with us to continue to improve our systems and behaviours.
Link to the summary of The Salvation Army Attitudes towards Women Survey
More in-depth qualitative data will be gathered in future surveys. The GEC will soon be establishing a presence on The Salvation Army’s territorial website so people can see current members of the GEC, be updated on findings and take part in positive cultural impact and change. Thank you for your honest feedback and for being part of changing our future.
God bless you,
Commissioner Julie Campbell
Territorial Leader of The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa
To contact the Gender Equity Committee with questions, comments or recommendations, please email us at GenderEquityCommittee@salvationarmy.org.nz