The Young Labor Women's Network facilitates young women's involvement in the Labor Party. Participation provides a great opportunity to share skills and resources.

We believe the future looks bright for young women in politics. The Labor Government has successfully delivered Australia's first female Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Australia's first female Governor-General Quentin Bryce. Looking to our states, Anna Bligh was Australia’s first female to be elected as Premier, Premier Lara Giddings as Tasmania's first female Premier and in NSW Kristina Keneally was the state's first female Premier with Carmel Tebbutt as the first female Deputy Premier under Labor Governments.

For women, it is an acknowledgement of what they have been saying for centuries.Women are up to the task and can tackle political life like the best of them. The representation of women in Cabinet, Ministries or as Parliamentary Secretaries ensure that women are able to bring something different to the governing table.

But there is still more to do. Young Labor aims to work towards a positive future for all women in all walks in life such as politics, business and the community.

What matters to us

YLWN is committed to providing opportunities for women to network, share skills, discussion and ideas.

Some key YLWN policy issues are:

• Leadership: We encourage young women to take leadership roles in Young Labor, the ALP, the corporate world and wider community.
• Elimination of violence: We continue our campaign against domestic violence including a focus on men as agents of positive change.
• Equal Pay: In 2009, women especially in the care sector worked 64 days extra compared to their male counterparts who undertook the same work. We continue the fight for equal pay and focus on women maintaining a work/life balance.
• Women around the world: The UN indentifies human trafficking as a ‘destructive phenomenon’ and we continue our campaign to assist women who are victims of this crime.

The YLWN involves itself in the annual International Women’s Day Celebrations, as part of the global campaign for equal rights. We have also participated in the 2007 “Womens Rights at Work” campaign, the Fair Wear campaign and have worked with other women's groups in the community.

If you are interested in joining the Young Labor Women's Network contact us via email nswyounglabor@alp.com.au

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