Our Special General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 22 September 2021.
Rebrand and Exploration of a Name Change
Over the past 12 months we has seen significant growth and change – we developed our new strategic plan, advocacy strategy, organisational values, launched our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan and we are working towards Rainbow Tick Accreditation in 2022.
In August 2020 we also commenced a whole of organisation rebrand. The project looks to renew our visual identity, and it has also explored a possible name change. The commencement of this project coincided with a decision by our board to expand our client cohort from only women and children, to also include members of LGBTIQA+ communities.
An important step forward for intersectional feminism
Through research conducted as part of the rebrand and through our rainbow tick accreditation process, it was identified that our name was a barrier for clients accessing our services, particularly for those who identify as trans, gender diverse and non-binary. Also, while the word ‘health’ has acted as a protective factor for victim-survivors using our services, it was also not a clear indicator of what we do. In June this year, following much internal and external consultation our board made the historic decision to endorse a name change, from WHW to ‘GenWest’, which sits alongside the tagline ‘Gender justice and change’.
As our organisation evolves, so too does our understanding of gender and gender inequity. We recognise that gender exists beyond the binary of women and men, and that rigid gender stereotypes are harmful to everyone. While we are moving our practice beyond this binary, our vision and purpose of achieving gender equity in the west remains our reason for being.
Looking to the future
In line with our strategic plan, we strive to achieve gender equity across Melbourne’s west so that everyone can lead healthy and safe lives, free from family violence and oppression. Our new proposed name and constitution only strengthens our purpose and we are excited for the opportunities it brings.
We would like to thank you for your support over recent months. This is an exciting time for the organisation and we are so grateful to the many people who have been part of leading and supporting WHW to this point. We know gender equity cannot be achieved if we do not simultaneously advocate to dismantle other forms of oppression and discrimination. By taking these steps, we hope to help create a more equal and inclusive world.
If you have any questions about the event or proposed changes, please contact our Acting CEO Kate Phillips at katep@genwest.org.au
Notice of Special Resolutions
We ask that members take note of proposed changes to the WHW constitution, which will be proposed as a special resolution at the SGM. Members in attendance will be asked to vote on these changes.
Read the Notice of Special Resolution in full here.
See the proposed changes to the constitution here.
Further information
To attend the SGM you must RSVP via Eventbrite. Click here to RSVP.
If you are unsure of your membership status and eligibility to vote, please contact our Communications Team on 1800 436 937 or at comms@genwest.org.au.
