26 April 2023
Josephine
[FYI request #22419 email]
Tēnā koe Josephine
OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT REQUEST
I refer to your official information request of 7 April 2023 for:
Can you please provide for me the definition your organisation uses to identify a
woman, when the definition became official, the process you used to agree that
definition and what groups and individuals, if any, you consulted with when creating
the definition. I am not seeking names of private individuals, however if any
prominent individuals, especially if they have spoken publicly regarding how a
woman is defined, were consulted, please provide their names.
Manatū Wāhine Ministry for Women represent the interests of, and support the rights and
wellbeing of, all women. Along with the Human Rights Commission and the United Nations
Convention of the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) we recognise
the right to self-identify and that all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender
identity, have the same human rights and freedoms.
Please note that this response, with your personal details redacted, may be published on the
Ministry’s website. If you have any concerns or comments related to this, please let us know
by emaili
ng [email address], within two weeks of the date of this letter.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz
or freephone 0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Kel ie Coombes
Secretary for Women
PO Box 10 049,
[Ministry for Women request email]
Wellington, New Zealand
women.govt.nz
