A prominent Maori woman leader has welcomed a United Nations report calling for more action here on progress for women.
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women's eighth periodic report on New Zealand, highlighted concerns with gender-based violence against women, abortion, and the way women are treated in the Family Court system.
Te Pou Matakana chair Merepeka Raukawa Tait says the UN report is a useful way to track New Zealand progress against international standards.
She says while there is progress in some areas and a government commitment to reducing the gaps, some areas such as domestic violence demand action.
"We've come some way but we still have a long way to go. It's about everyone in society realising we are a better off country when everyone is making a contribution and reaching their true potential and we have got to make sure we do whatever we can, particularly in relation to empowering women and young girls to go for it," Mrs Raukawa Tait says.
Wahine Maori face particular challenges and stereotypes to overcome but there are increasing numbers of Maori women willing to take leadership roles and speak out.
MEREPEKA RAUKAWA TAIT FULL INTERVIEW
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