The Global Compact Network Australia (GCNA) is hosting the breakfast session of the 2019 GNCA Conference to explore the theme of ‘Women & Trust: Tackling Systemic Barriers to Gender Equity’.
All businesses stand to benefit from greater equality for women. However, globally and within Australia, gender inequality persists in many aspects of public and private spheres. Women remain under-represented in leadership and decision-making roles, with just 7% of CEO roles in Australian companies held by women.[i] Businesses across Australia should also be conscious of the persistence of the gender pay gap and the variables in that gap; for example, according to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WEGA) women in management positions are likely to experience one of the highest gender pay gaps at 25.7% for 2018. Further, gender inequality is both a cause and a consequence of domestic violence and sexual abuse, which in addition to its devastating impacts on individual women and surrounding communities, is estimated by KPMG to cost Australian businesses $609 million p.a. by 2021.
Nonetheless, significant progress is being made across organisations, and at institutional and societal levels across Australia. As a result of a recent the 2018 Fair Work Amendment (Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Act, all employees including part-time and casual employees now have access to leave and workplace protections regarding domestic violence.[ii] Today, there is an important opportunity for corporate Australia to lead the way in empowering women and girls, thus helping to expand economic growth, promote social development, and establish a just and stable society.
This is an interactive Q&A session with General Angus Campbell, Chief of the Australian Defence Force, and Stephanie Copus-Campbell, Executive Director of Oil Search Foundation who will be providing their insights into their personal experiences of corporate leadership in the continuing challenge for gender equality.
Facilitated by Kylie Porter, Executive Director of the GCNA, the session will highlight how Australian and international corporations can engage with the pressing issue of gender equality by adapting their policies to create inclusive and thriving environments.
Contact
If you have any queries, please get in touch: secretariat@unglobalcompact.org.au
NOTE: Please note that registration is strictly on an invitation only event. Seats are limited.
This event is kindly sponsored by Konica Minolta.
