The Department for Communities' Office for Women's Interests was set up by the WA Government to acknowledge and support the important contribution and leadership of women in formal decision-making and policy formation.  One of the key objectives is to ensure the range of views and concerns of women in this State are well represented by leaders and decision makers in government and the community.

Women in Western Australia offer a rich diversity in leadership styles, experience and knowledge which the Government wants to see reflected in public policy and decision-making processes. 

The number of women in leadership positions is increasing, yet more are still needed to adequately reflect and represent their unique needs and views in government and the community, as well as improve the gender balance of leadership opportunities in public life.  Strengthening women's representation on government boards and committees is another way government can ensure women are involved in making decisions that affect or impact on them.

Women interested in participating on a board or committee can register on the Western Australian Government's Interested Persons Register (IPR).  The IPR database helps capture information on Western Australians from diverse backgrounds with varying interests and experiences.  It allows members of the public to register on-line and update their information and is used when nominations are being sought for membership to WA boards and committees.

Interesting information and statistics on the status of women is reflected through national research into leadership initiatives (Word, 426kb) which was undertaken for the 2003/2004 Commonwealth, States, Territories and New Zealand Ministers’ Conference (MINCO).  The 2005 Leadership Report  (Word, 417 kb)  also provides statistics, by State and Territory, on women's representation in leadership and decision making roles (eg: parliament, public sector management, the judiciary and non-government organisations).