Gill Greer, Vanisa Dhiru appointed to lead National Council of Women

Council renews work programme toward a Gender Equal NZ

Experienced equality activist and advocate Dr. Gill Greer has been appointed the new Chief Executive, and former Vice-President Vanisa Dhiru as the new President, of the National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ). Gill and Vanisa will be responsible for leading the 121-year-old organisation through a significant revitalisation, including building the new Gender Equal NZ movement launched last week.

Gender Equal NZ’s work programme includes New Zealand’s first gender attitudes survey; development of a gender equality dashboard to hold policy and decision makers to account on progress; and the establishment of taskforces, the first of which will drive equal representation of genders in the media.

Most recently Chief Executive of Volunteer Service Abroad, Gill was previously Director General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation. She has represented New Zealand, civil society and/or volunteering at the United Nations on development and human rights and has a strong background in strategic leadership.

“I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity to work with the wide membership of an iconic New Zealand organisation that is absolutely committed to remaining relevant and responsive and to tackling today’s challenges as it has done in the past,” says Gill.

Vanisa has served NCWNZ as Vice-President for the past 3 years. She has a background in leadership among NGOs and charitable organisations, including as CEO of both Volunteering New Zealand and 20/20 Trust, and advising government departments on diversity, digital forums and funding. Her work outside NCW in community engagement, particularly among under-represented communities, brings a strong grassroots focus to NCW’s governance.

“I’m looking forward to working with Gill to ensure Kiwis of any gender get the equality they deserve – equal opportunity and access, without stereotypes – through our new movement, Gender Equal NZ,” says Vanisa.

At NCWNZ’s annual conference over the weekend, Ali Jones (Christchurch), Lisa Lawrence (Motueka), and Arna Metcalfe (Auckland) were also appointed to the Board, joining Terese Tunnicliffe and Jessica Venning-Bryan (both of Wellington).

The new vision for the organisation is an exciting one, and both leaders are committed to making equality, reality for all New Zealanders.

ENDS

More information about Gender Equal NZ

Gender Equal NZ is led by the National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ). NCWNZ was founded in 1896 by Kate Sheppard, and prominent leaders of NZ’s suffrage movement. NCWNZ’s total membership is 290,000 drawn from 43 national organised members and 240 local organisations who are members of 21 branches around the country.

People can join Gender Equal NZ at www.genderequal.nz

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