I would agree on the issue of leadership. I think it's good for the government to think about where the country needs to get to.
Also, you are talking about grassroots as if barriers and prejudices don't manifest at the community level. I think they do, so some encouragement to act differently is a good thing. Setting a standard—“This is a benefit you can get if you meet this affirmative action level”—is good.
The federal public service is a great employer of women, and it's because these kinds of affirmative action programs happen there. I think you can show some leadership, and people will respond.