About Us: NACEW's 40th
2007 marks the 40th anniversary of the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women (NACEW).
The Council was set up in 1967 by the then Minister of Labour, Hon T.P. Shand, following recommendations from the Joint Committee on Women and Employment. The Committee was concerned with the need for the re-training and occupational safety of women re-entering the workforce after time away. They were also concerned with the ‘economic waste and insufficient development of’ women’s employment potential.
Over this 40 year period, society has changed dramatically and the Council has played a role in the social change which has seen a fairer deal for women in employment opportunities and conditions. NACEW’s activities have included:
- urging the government to remove legislation which negatively impacted on women’s employment
- advocating for legislation which improved women’s circumstances
- conducting quality research into a range of areas (instrumental for policy advice and development)
- developing publicity materials which educate and encourage women to make informed choices.
As part of the anniversary project, NACEW has developed a historical research paper which outlines NACEW’s key milestones and areas of interest over the past 40 years.
A paper dedicated to the current and future issues for women’s employment has also been developed.
Four past Chairs of NACEW were also interviewed as part of an oral history project. These tapes have been lodged at the Alexander Turnbull Library where they are accessible to the public.”
