Bendigo's nine councillors were unanimous in their decision to endorse the proposed 2020-2025 strategy during last night's meeting.

The strategy already has the backing of a number of the region's leading organisations, including experts responding to domestic and family violence and sexual assault and advocating for women's health.

It marks a milestone in a project years in the making.

The importance of a gender equity strategy was highlighted last year, following controversy surrounding the use of 'ring girls' at a high-profile boxing match in Bendigo.

Cr Jennifer Alden said the markers of the strategy's success would be improved outcomes for all members of the community.

"We can be guaranteed that no one will be disadvantaged by the introduction of this strategy, assuming we understand what needs to change," she said.

"That fairness and equality of opportunities, experience and outcomes prevails."

That included women and children living in safety, free from violence. Cr Alden noted that 20 women in Australia had been killed so far this year.

Deputy mayor Matt Emond said gender equality was everyone's business.

Cr Andrea Metcalf said she looked forward to seeing positive outcomes from the strategy in the next five years.

More to come.