Ms Richardson noted the city’s high level of female representation in both state and federal politics made it a particularly appropriate final stop.

She said one of the key lessons to come out of the Bendigo session was the importance of the support of both men and women in the pursuit of equality.

“Women need to support other women and not pull up the ladder behind them when they achieve their goals, but also women need to support women in leadership positions,” she said.

“Women supporting and mentoring women is key to ensuring that the generations beyond your own can reach their potential.”

Ms Richardson said her time travelling the state had illustrated both the particular issues rural and regional women faced in their struggle for equality, but also some of their unique strengths.

“Rural and regional communities are incredibly well connected and often you see programs and initiatives running in those communities that in truth should be being run in metropolitan Melbourne,” she said.

“There’s been some very innovative measures that have been put in place to respond to family violence in particular, and those are the kinds of measures that we need to see put in place right across Victoria.”

Ms Richardson said issues raised during the Bendigo session included the need for affordable childcare options and equal investment in sports programs for women and men, as well as women’s comparatively low superannuation returns.

She said the fact Australia as a nation was going backwards in terms of gender equality highlighted the need for further action.

“In Australia our world ranking on gender equality has actually fallen, so outcomes for women are actually getting worse,” she said.

“Each and every one of us therefore has a role to play in supporting women to achieve their potential and ensuring that we change and improve outcomes for women and girls.”