Monday, 1 June 2009
Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick has encouraged individuals and organisations to participate in the federal government’s review of the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA), which was announced today.
“This review provides an important opportunity for business, women’s organisations, unions and the Australian public to develop new and innovative approaches to achieving equal representation of women and men in all spheres of public life, including at the most senior levels of business,” said Commissioner Broderick.
Commissioner Broderick said that EOWA’s research and role in promoting equal opportunity for women was critical to understanding how women are progressing in the workplace, both generally and at senior levels, as well as in identifying important issues in areas of education, workplace attachment, pay equity and retirement savings.
For example:
- while women have more than equal educational outcomes compared to men, the vast majority of Australians living on low incomes and social security are women,
- in ASX200 Companies, women hold only 8.3 percent of Board Directorships, only four Chief Executive Officer positions and only 5.9 percent of senior line manager roles.
“There is a serious leakage of female talent in this country and, without significant intervention – including by government, business and unions – the number of women progressing in the workplace will shrink even more,” said Commissioner Broderick.
For information and resources relevant to the Review, see:
- The recent Senate Inquiry into the Effectiveness of the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act 1984 in eliminating discrimination and promoting gender equality www.aph.gov.au/SEnate/committee/legcon_ctte/sex_discrim/index.htm
- The current House of Representatives Inquiry into Pay Equity and associated issues related to increasing female participation in the workforce www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ewr/payequity/index.htm
- Commissioner Broderick’s recent Speech to the National Press Club and associated speeches www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/speeches/sex_discrim/index.html
- Australian Human Rights Commission resources on Sex Discrimination www.humanrights.gov.au/sex_discrimination/index.html
- The Commission’s submission to the Inquiry into pay equity and associated issues related to increasing female participation in the workforce www.humanrights.gov.au/legal/submissions/2008/20080923_pay_equity.html
- Submission to the Inquiry into the effectiveness of the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act 1984 in eliminating discrimination and promoting gender equality www.humanrights.gov.au/legal/submissions/2008/20080901_SDA.html
Media contact: Brinsley Marlay 02 9284 9656 or 0430 366 529
