Abstract

This first dialogue paper provides an overview of Stage Two of the Wiyi Yani U Thangani project and its elements of work that aim to progress First Nations gender justice and equality. In this paper, we review and critique concepts of gender equality, the gaps in the mainstream definition that exclude First Nations women and girls and consider how to define an Australian First Nations women and girls understanding of gender equality. It then considers and expands on what is meant by structural change—detailing what is needed to transform current conditions and to meet and realise the rights and aspirations of First Nations women and girls over time.This paper also identifies four cross-cutting priority areas that, if invested in, have the potential to provide alternative sustainable approaches that advance the wellbeing of First Nations women and girls. The four key priority areas are each covered in further detail in the accompanying workbook for Roundtable One. A large focus of Stage Two will consider the goals, targets and indicators that could be developed to correspondwith the identified actions across each area. This is to ensure that we create aframework of accountability and develop the right mechanisms to measure progresswhich reflects an interconnected and holistic approach to advancing wellbeing. This dialogue paper is intended to stimulate discussion, generate ideas and encourage readers to reflect on their own practices. It is hoped that the reader uses the paper as a tool to consider how to approach implementation of the Wiyi Yani U Thangani report throughout life, in places of work and when making and setting policies. The paper is by no means complete, but part of an iterative processes to exploring how to do implementation effectively.