Briefing to the Incoming Minister 2005

This briefing is designed to provide you with an overview of the Women's Affairs portfolio. This briefing is structured into three sections:

Part 1: Women in New Zealand - how women are doing in New Zealand

Part 3: Introducing the Ministry of Women's Affairs - how the Ministry of Women's Affairs assists government to further improve outcomes for women.

The following themes flow throughout this document:

• women are diverse and have different needs and aspirations
• some women are doing well, but disparities still exist between men and women and between different groups of women
• gender roles still influence the participation and well-being of some women

Considerable progress has been made in improving outcomes for women but there are still many opportunities to further improve women's well-being and to maximise women's contribution to New Zealand's economic and social development.

Shenagh Gleisner

Chief Executive