Cook Government Launches Major Gender Equality Strategy on International Women's Day

State Government Unveils Third Action Plan for Gender Equality

On this Sunday, 8 March 2026, the Western Australian Government has officially marked International Women’s Day by launching the 'Stronger Together' third action plan (2026-2029). The release of this strategic roadmap is the cornerstone of today’s political activities in Perth, aiming to drive systemic change to achieve gender equality across the state. The theme for this year’s observance, "Balance the Scales," focuses on making the justice system more inclusive and accessible for women and girls.

$646,000 in Grants Announced for Community Empowerment

In a series of announcements made today, the Cook Government confirmed a total of $646,000 in funding distributed among 24 community organizations. These grants, administered by the Department of Communities, are intended to support local initiatives in four key priority areas:

• Health and wellbeing
• Safety and justice
• Economic independence
• Leadership and representation

Government officials emphasized that these practical investments are designed to foster generational change, particularly addressing the barriers faced by First Nations women and those in regional areas.

One-Year Anniversary of State Election Victory

Today also marks the first anniversary of the Cook Labor Government’s landslide victory in the 2025 state election. Premier Roger Cook reflected on the government’s progress over the past 12 months, highlighting economic growth and the $38 billion infrastructure pipeline currently rolling out across Western Australia. In a scheduled press appearance, the Premier reaffirmed the government’s commitment to social cohesion and public safety following a year of significant legislative reform.

City Initiatives and Lord Mayor’s Address

Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds joined state leaders to acknowledge the city’s role in supporting inclusive growth. While no formal council session was held today, the Lord Mayor highlighted recent municipal approvals, including $60,000 in funding for the 2026 Lightscape event at Kings Park. The Mayor noted that ensuring the CBD remains a safe and welcoming destination for all residents is the City’s top priority, especially during high-profile events like the UCI Track World Cup, which concludes today at Middle Swan.

Focus on Justice and Safety

The political focus of the day remains on the justice system, with the state government advocating for higher conviction rates in sexual assault cases and better legal support for marginalized groups. The Department of Communities will continue to promote these messages throughout the week as part of the broader 2026 gender equality strategy.