Thu, 19/08/2010

Politics

In the political sphere, YWCA Australia applauds the leadership shown by female politicians who have had to deal with commentary on their physical features, their voice, their clothes and their abilities and aptitudes in relation to serious issues like economic management in ways that men don’t. With so many strong women leaders now in Australian political life, we look forward to future election campaigns where women’s leadership is the norm.

Business

In the business sphere, the introduction of gender diversity targets for private sector boards has gained considerable momentum recently, which is extremely welcome. Importantly, the ASX Corporate Governance Council has introduced changes to the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, to commence on 1 January next year, requiring listed entities to set gender diversity targets for their boards and to report on their achievements against those targets in their annual reports. The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) has also introduced measures aimed at improving the numbers of women on boards.

YWCA Australia advocates for a target of 40% representation of women on government, not for profit and private sector boards. In our view, these targets should be reached within three years, with consideration of introducing compulsory quotas if targets have not been met within that time. We also support programs that enhance the skills of all board directors, but recognise the need for programs targeting women and young women if the proportion of women on boards is to increase.

Adopting gender diversity targets for women on boards is not a radical idea, but an idea that is beginning to receive broad support. The UN Committee on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women, in their recent review of women’s human rights in Australia, have urged the Australian Government to consider targets to ‘increase further the number of women in political and public life’. The immense benefits for business of gender diversity are finally being recognised. YWCA Australia urges all parties to get on board, so to speak, with positive developments in this area.