Reducing violence against women and girls is one of three priorities for the newly-appointed Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins.

“We have to address the prevalence of violence against women and girls in this country. It’s a disgrace,” Commissioner Jenkins said.

“We must become a community that has zero tolerance for violence.”

In a National Press Club of Australia speech delivered today, Commissioner Jenkins said she would also prioritise better lifetime economic security for women and girls, and more diversity in decision-making.

On the question of economic security for women and girls, Commissioner Jenkins noted the gender pay gap is currently at 17.3%.

“As a consequence, women retire with about half the savings of men, which means older women are more vulnerable to living in poverty in their later years. This really needs to change.”

Commissioner Jenkins said the third significant barrier to gender equality is the lack diversity at decision-making levels.

“Women are still significantly under-represented in management and at board level, across the public, private and community sectors and in government.

“Gender equality will never be achieved without women having meaningful and truly representative roles in decision-making and leadership.”

Commissioner Jenkins said she intended to drive change in Australian workplaces, universities and in sport.

She said recent media coverage of gender-based discrimination on university campuses added a sense of urgency to work being done by the Australian Human Rights Commission and Universities Australia to identify the extent of sexual harassment and violence on campus, and to implement solutions.

Commissioner Jenkins said she also sees “enormous opportunities” to work with sporting bodies and fans to advance gender equality.