Mentored into a Board Role
21 Jan 2019
Gina McClement credits amazing support through the WOB mentorship program for her success in achieving a board position on Basketball NSW, which she took up on 1 January 2019. She describes this as her first active directorship and is fullsome in her praise for WOB mentor, Cheryl Hayman.
What I've Learnt About Being A Charity Trustee
06 Dec 2018
Gail Emerson, Women on Boards' CRM Marketing Manager, reflects on her time on as Chair of Lambeth Rathbone's board of trustees.
This article from Gail Emerson, WOB UK, shares six learnings from her time on a Charity (Not For Profit) board in the UK.
World class business school comes to Australia
22 Oct 2018
INSEAD Corporate Governance Centre (ICGC), in partnership with Women on Boards (WOB), will launch its highly acclaimed International Directors Programme (IDP) in Australia in 2019.
Mandatory quota needed for Liberal Party pre-selection
11 Sep 2018
Women on Boards (WOB) has called on the Federal Liberal Party to introduce a quota for female candidates at pre-selection and adopt a program of culture change and reform if it is to remain relevant to Australian voters.
Rain & Records | More Required
27 Aug 2018
It rained across some of parched NSW over the weekend. Welcome water from the vaporised tears of millions of Australians perhaps? Voters frustrated, angry and just plain upset over the nonsense in Parliament last week? Because not since Julia Gillard was deposed (so no need for the ALP to be smug) have we seen such acts of pure self-interest from the elected representatives in our national capital.
Get on Board
01 Aug 2018
Adding a board appointment to your CV, is a sure way to draw attendtion to your capabilities while catapulting your career up the ladder of success.
Reflections from INSEAD
25 Jun 2018
This week I was in Singapore as a member of the WOB contingent attending session one of the INSEAD International Directors Program. The group of 40 or so was extremely diverse in terms of culture, professional experience and background.
Tips for ASX Success
14 May 2018
Women on Boards is increasingly being asked to assist with the recruitment of directors for ASX listed companies, as they seek to diversify the skills and expertise of their board.
Why the Influence of Women on Boards Still Lags
05 Mar 2018
The representation of women on corporate boards has risen substantially over the past
decade, but the growth rate is slowing. Meanwhile women’s power on the boards on
which they sit is often limited.
Resilience - the hidden trait
04 Feb 2018
Our experiences on the Women on Boards Next Generation of Corporate Female Leaders Program influenced the selection of our project theme. The first session held in Sydney challenged traditional leadership models and explored the more contemporary capabilities required of leaders in the future. The rapid pace of change and disruption experienced by business and increasing complexity is making it more difficult for leaders to predict and plan for future events and impacts.
The Cassowary Caper
29 Jan 2018
Your scribe continues to visit the hot climates of northern Australia. In 2017, I wrote about what I did in my holidays in an article featuring the crocodile (a lovely pet according to ABC news item in the silly season)
WOB yields great dividend
15 Jan 2018
The annual survey of the positions posted with WOB finds that the number continues to grow and in 2017 close to 20 per cent of the Not for Profit entities listed with WOB continued to pay director fees.
Nine Tips of Mentoring
19 Dec 2017
Mentoring is probably the most powerful developmental process people can experience. And when it works, it develops two for the price of one. In mentoring, the relationship between mentor and mentee is all-important. In this article, WOB Director and experienced mentor, Cheryl Hayman, gives nine key tips for making the relationship work.
WOB Christmas Cheer
19 Dec 2017
Our call out for favourite traditional family Christmas recipes produced some yummy results for all to try.
Win Like Winx
10 Nov 2017
Mighty racing mare,Winx, might appear to be the fastest and best, but that is because she takes the lead and is the first past the post. CLICK HERE for the full article.
By Dr Judith Chapman, November 2017
Anticipated rise in NFPs paying directors
10 Nov 2017
The WOB annual survey of the board and committee positions posted on our website will be released in December. It is anticipated that the upwards trend in those offering board members some form of remuneration will continue to rise. The figure was 18 per cent in 2016.
Ruth's Roaming
03 Nov 2017
It's been a busy time over the past couple of weeks. From the bright lights of the big cities to chocolate farming in FNQ - where awards have been won!
Marketplace for Innovation 2018
27 Oct 2017
Two new events will be held in Q1 of 2018 for the WOB Marketplace for Innovation following on from our launch event in mid-2017 kindly hosted by AON. The format was speakers followed by table mentoring and attendees were a mix of WOB entrepreneurs and WOB members interested in early stage companies. It was a great evening with unexpected connections made and new relationships formed.
Start Early...and Go Far
27 Oct 2017
Our boards and committees event for aspiring younger directors in Melbourne this week was a roaring success. A big thank you to hosts, Mercer, and the two panellists, Jenny Taing and Michelle Di-Fabio, who provided some great advice for the audience, many of whom had not considered boards or committees this early in their career.
The UK and the New Reality of Gender Pay Equity
13 Oct 2017
I recently attended a seminar in London on the new mandatory reporting on gender pay. The event was co-sponsored by Huntswood, a UK based specialist resourcing and consulting firm that focuses on governance, risk and compliance and Women on Boards UK. The statistics were pretty amazing and alarming, and while the data and insights are from UK organisations, I am sure that the underlying results would be the same in most of the world.
CPA Today
13 Oct 2017
"If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools." – Plato
Clearly Plato was not an accountant or a member of the CPA Australia, but never let it be said that your scribe and WOB suffered this prophesy. The very public agitating of a group of members over this past year has produced some good news for CPA Australia. Nine new appointments have been made to the board.
The value of Posting a Position with WOB
06 Oct 2017
Women on Boards receives regular compliments about our Post a Position service. In particular how it provides organisations seeking board and committee members with high quality applicants and an opportunity to particularly promote positions to women.
The good (amazing) women of South32
06 Oct 2017
This week I flew via Cairns, Gove and Darwin to Groote Eylandt as a guest of South32 – the global mining company demerged from BHP in 2015, listed on three continents and with operations across five countries. South32 is the latest corporate member of Women on Boards.
British sister marks 5 year anniversary
22 Sep 2017
Many of you know that Women on Boards established an operation in the UK in 2012 – exactly five years ago this month. If you haven’t already then jump onto our website and select WOB UK at the top left corner and have a browse. Some great articles and useful tips - as applicable here as in the UK.
A good news story on Victorian Government boards
15 Sep 2017
In 2016 Women on Boards put a lot of effort into encouraging members to apply for Victorian Government Boards. Clearly it worked as the figures from the Victorian Government show:
“In 2017, women now make up 54 per cent of all Victorian health service and public hospital service board members, compared to just 45 per cent in 2015. There are now more than 400 women on Victorian hospital boards - an increase of more than 70.
The value of ‘having a go’
15 Sep 2017
Last weekend I stood on a polling booth for 10 hours handing out how to votes and seeking to convince voters to elect me as an independent to the Central Coast Council. Others, including Ruth Medd, graciously gave up all or half of their days to do the same. Many heart-warming and humourous interactions with other polling booth workers and voters made the day go relatively quickly. Our pitch was strong and we were feeling good.
WOB & the Girl Guides
08 Sep 2017
Regular readers will be aware of WOB’s interest in encouraging women in the earlier stage of their careers - in their 30's - to join a board. Often the response is:
- Am I too young?
- Do I have any skills a board would want?
The answers are 'no' then 'yes'.
Gender heard before my words
01 Sep 2017
These were the words of the current World Champion in Persuasive Speaking, Jacqueline Farrell, at the Ravenswood School for Girls last night. Speaking at an empowerment event organised by the prefect body at the school, Jacqueline (Year 12) opened with an account of what it meant to be of the female gender. “My gender is heard before my words” she told us – illustrating how through body language, vocal tone and mansplaining, men were constantly at an advantage. It might have been a useful eye opener for the young men from various private male boys schools who were part of the assembled audience of prefects, staff and parents.
Spreading the word in Singapore
25 Aug 2017
Women on Boards was pleased to be invited to the Singapore Australia High Level Women’s Dialogue on 21 August 2017. Your scribe attended as the WOB representative.
My bid for Central Coast Council
18 Aug 2017
Those of you who have attended a WOB event may have heard me describe myself as an advocate. Well it might be my biggest advocacy challenge yet if I am elected to Central Coast Council on 9th September.
Yes, I have decided to put my hand up at the first elections for our merged super council – formerly Wyong and Gosford - which is now the third largest in NSW. Needless to say, it will be a challenge – both to be elected and, if successful, to be one of 15 councillors in an area with 330,000 people
Director Remuneration across jurisdictions
18 Aug 2017
This week we have an interesting perspective on director remuneration, remunerating charity boards.
Ruth’s Review of 7 July 2017 canvassed why you might do this and what level of remuneration may be appropriate. But for a fuller exploration of the issues check out the ACNC report on Remuneration which also sets out some questions that a charity should consider when deciding whether or not to pay its board members; including:
World Wide WOB and the three MMMs
11 Aug 2017
When the plane trip from UK to Australia starts to drag I usually listen to the three tenors on the entertainment system.
So, it was while enjoying the glorious sounds of Domingo, Carreras and Pavarotti on my recent return trip from the UK that turn my mind turned to WOB’s three MMM’s. That is - the Maldives, Malta and Mongolia.
Leading from the emerging future
11 Aug 2017
A demanding and highly experiential leadership program to challenge the way you build skills to collaborate, co-create and co-lead. Sounds like something the embattled companies being featured daily in the news might like to consider.
No rest for CPA
04 Aug 2017
Having returned from a successful four weeks with the colleagues at WOB UK your scribe is now back onto the thorny matter of CPA Australia.
Firstly and most importantly, all WOB members who are CPAs are encouraged to sign the spill petition (6,000 signatures are needed) to requisition an EGM to debate a board spill and other motions. Well done to Jen Dalitz and other diligent CPA members for getting this underway.
Wonder woman is not based on a true story
04 Aug 2017
My topic this week is one that has caused great controversy of late in the media. It follows the explosive ABC reports by Julia Baird and Hayley Gleeson alleging links between Christian faith, gender and family violence. Aired over two nights on ABC and followed up extensively in the media, the reports have caused churches across Australia further angst on top of the Pandora's box of opened by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Experts Advise You Seek Help
28 Jul 2017
WOB UK runs regular FTSE breakfasts for WOB members to hear from experienced directors and headhunters. Your scribe attended one recently where the guest speakers were Sue Kilsby, Chair of Shire PLC - a leading global biotechnology company focused on serving people with rare diseases - and Karin Barnick, partner at Korn Ferry.
Sue, an investment banker by profession, spoke engagingly about her FTSE career, which has seen her appointed as a Non-Executive Director to the boards of BBA Aviation PLC, Goldman Sachs International and Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc. Great tips for those in the audience.
Karin then spoke about the head hunter scene in London which revealed that, as expected, the top headhunters in London take much the same approach as their Australian counterparts. She provided some interesting data on FTSE 350 boards.
When 'Independence' fuels dysfunction
28 Jul 2017
Alex Malley's ears might have been burning again this week if they were not already scorched off by the roasting he has received in relation to his tenure as CEO of CPA Australia. He was the exclusive case study of Peter Swan AO FSSA, Emeritus Professor the Unviersity of NSW Business School, in his address to a joint Women on Boards / Clayton Utz lunch helpfully titled "Cult of the CEO: CPA Australia and how its non-standards helps generate ASX governance dysfunction".
Gender Pay Gap in the UK
21 Jul 2017
In November 2014 the UK Office of National Statistics published a report revealing that in the year to April 2014, the gender pay gap for all employees stood at 19.1%, down from 19.8% in 2013. The gap has also decreased in the long-term, from 27.5% in 1997. Despite the decrease in the pay gap, the rate of progress is widely-considered to be too slow.
What to pay a Not-for-Profit director
07 Jul 2017
WOB is regularly asked about director remuneration. Most often the question is what should a Not-for-Profit (NFP) pay its directors? This usually occurs as the board readies itself to pay their appointed members.
Most Not-for-Profits do not remunerate their directors. However, those that are running a business with staff and resources are increasingly likely to do so.
There are a number of surveys done annually on this topic. Some are publicly available and others require payment. WOBs posted vacancies is a perfect regime for surveying remuneration trends. As such we have collected data over many years.
Maximising Board Success
29 Jun 2017
Developing your board career is a matter of persistence and vigilance. You never know when your ideal opportunity will appear. WOB regularly does search assignments for companies seeking Non-Executive-Directors. Often these are paid roles on interesting boards, well suited to some WOB subscribers.
CPA celebrates EOFY with ‘Own Goals’
23 Jun 2017
No-one likes it when their team kicks its own goal. Indeed, journalists and commentators often engage in hot debate about which is the worst ‘own goal’ across the many sports codes. However, there is little doubt that as we approach the end of the financial year, that CPA Australia has taken the prize for the most own goals scored in the shortest period of time in corporate history.
It’s a boy’s club – back off!
23 Jun 2017
This was the advice given by a team of senior men to a woman at a financial services firm who was trying to make some changes to the 'business as usual' approach her colleagues seemed to enjoy. Apparently change was not on the agenda. The anecdote was recounted to the 32 women taking part in the 2017 WOB Next Generation of Corporate Female Leaders program in Sydney this week. Heads nodded.
Faith Based Boards
16 Jun 2017
A recent column commented on the rise of postings of faith based postings with WOB.
The Uniting Church (UC) has posted with WOB over many years. So WOB is delighted that the UC has begun a formal partnership with us to assist with their governance, leadership and diversity objectives.
Beyond Gender
16 Jun 2017
The trend towards engaging men on gender equality might have more benefits that first realised. Over the past two years we have been moving to a new paradigm around men 'owning the problems of gender inequality' as highlighted in a timely new Diversity Council Australia report titled Men Make a Difference: Engaging Men on Gender Equality.
WOB members support CPA reform
09 Jun 2017
The trials and tribulations at CPA Australia continue apace, with fresh revelations today that this week the NSW Government is threatening to deregister it as a professional standards body. This is principally because the loss-making business championed by CEO Alex Malley, CPA Australia Advice, competes with the members of CPA Australia.
Coupled with the resignations of Kerry Ryan and Richard Alston from the board and the very public renouncing of membership by David Murray, it’s been a tough week.
WOB not afraid to speak
02 Jun 2017
CPA Australia has released the individual director and CEO remuneration details; plus other information in response to membership questions. They have finally done the right thing by their members with regard to remuneration disclosure.
Staying in Wonderland
02 Jun 2017
"This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill—the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill—you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Remember: all I'm offering is the truth. Nothing more." (The Matrix)
Was the film, The Red Pill, as controversial and anti-women as I had been led to expect?
The Red Pill Beckons
26 May 2017
Tomorrow I am going to a screening of American documentary film by feminist, Cassie Jaye, that explores the men's rights movement.
Be Prepared for Your Marketplace
26 May 2017
Last week’s item on the ASX company for which WOB is doing a board search was the subject of a lot of attention. It certainly kept my inbox full!
For some WOBers it was a case of putting their hat into the ring for the role, despite the realisation they had little chance of success. This is not a bad thing. It was heartening to us that the ASX position inspired them to action.
Recruiting for ASX
19 May 2017
The types of vacancies posted with WOB vary widely across organisations and sectors. Increasingly ASX companies are coming our way as they realise WOB offers a unique database of aspirant (and often not well known) women with the skills and experience to fill board roles. This is good news for WOB subscribers seeking an initial or their next ASX board.
Brave new world
19 May 2017
Robots joining unions, data for sale on the dark net, skewed algorithms for NDIS avatars ... we discussed it all at the WOB Director's Circle in Sydney on 18 May ... and more besides.
Budget brickbats and bouquets
12 May 2017
Australia has not had a Women's Budget Statement since it was dropped in 2014 by then Prime Minister and Minister for Women, Tony Abbott. While many felt it was insufficiently resourced the principal around the statement was important.
Why do we need a women's budget statement? Surely the budget impacts equally on men as well as women?
Live from Canberra
12 May 2017
Budget week in Canberra is fun – if hectic.
Your scribe was at Parliament House on budget night to listen to the Treasurer's budget speech. This was followed by the NFAW Gender Lens conference call where the assembled experts gave their first impressions of the impact of the budget on women.
The right thing to do
05 May 2017
Word on the street is that there are CPA members who are concerned about the governance of their respected body, but feel they cannot speak publicly. Women on Boards has a history of calling out the laggards and will continue to do so. Your scribe is a CPA member of some 30+ years.
WOB: A great network
28 Apr 2017
Women on Boards is a global network of some 40,000+ women who largely work on the principle of reciprocity. We work to underpin this approach with a wide range of development offerings.
Making a Difference
28 Apr 2017
Today WOB attended the Lifeline Steel Magnolia Awards on the NSW Central Coast. Six finalists in an award that recognises a woman who overcame, who lifted herself up and who did something for others.
A matter of governance
21 Apr 2017
Not for Profit organisations range from small bodies or local service providers in areas such as disability and transport, to significant enterprises registered as unlisted companies limited by guarantee, such as CPA Australia (CPAA).
Start-up for flexibility
21 Apr 2017
It is always useful to remind myself that Women on Boards was once a start-up. An idea that had its genesis back in 2001, tested the market until 2005 and formed in 2006. At the time Ruth and I founded WOB, I had an eight month old daugther, was working from our first (tiny) home on the Central Coast of NSW and thinking how, at 35 years of age, I might seek to make a difference for women.
What you know not what you do
07 Apr 2017
Some of you may have seen that the Minister for Communications has announced the demise of the Catalyst Australian Arts and Culture Fund.
‘The Government has announced that the majority of funds from Catalyst will be transferred to the Australia Council from 1 July 2017.’
First my declaration. Your scribe is an independent assessor for this program. And it’s a (tiny $) paid gig.
The background is that a previous Minister for the Arts carved out some funding for projects not typically funded by the Australia Council; the established federal government funding body for the arts.
The Hay Times
07 Apr 2017
There is no doubt that being born of the land gives you a tenacity that stands you in good stead throughout your life. I was reminded of this again on two occasions this week; at the 2017 NSW Rural Women's Award gala dinner at Parliament House and, in an address I gave to the Sydney Hills Business Chamber.
Shining a light on boards for under 35s
31 Mar 2017
You may have noticed WOB has an ever-increasing number of board and committee positions available. As of 31 March 2017 there are 70 current vacancies. To date we have received 250 positions posted since 1 January 2017 - many with multiple positions available.
George unlikely to get #nakedforchange
31 Mar 2017
This week I noticed a few amusing news items come across my desk. BKindred founder, Penny Locaso, delivered a keynote presentation in a swimsuit, George Brandis told Parliament that being called a white man" was “deeply offensive and insulting" and a UK national newspaper asked readers whether the British or Scottish Prime Minister had better legs?
Quotas for Australian Honours
24 Mar 2017
Being awarded an Australian Honour is highly regarded and signals your contribution to your profession, industry or cause. As is the case on governing bodies, women are under-represented in the Australian Honours awarded on the occasions of Australia Day and Queen's Birthday.
Women up in lights
24 Mar 2017
Do you think the move to include female pedestrian signals is a positive addition to the City of Melbourne?
BDI Strategy and Tactics
17 Mar 2017
International Women's Day is now behind us and we there are some items worthy of note.
- Gear up Girls was a great success, organised by the very capable crew at Bicycle NSW, who as it happens are seeking a board member (ID4834).
- The winner of the 2017 TAP Gallery IWD art prize was Debbie Nankervis with her work titled Sister Cities. WOB previously sponsored this prize and I have taken this on personally.
- The AFR BOSS article of 6th March 2017 which featured an interview with Ruth and Claire received many compliments. Thank you.
Dead men and the 'Daughters of Henry Wong'
10 Mar 2017
International Women’s Day is all about us as women. So make sure everyone notices. Women on Boards has been doing its bit – Claire in the OzHarvest CEO Cookoff, Ruth taking part in the Gear up Girls bike ride and donating to the TAP Gallery IWD Art Prize.
Safety First
02 Mar 2017
WOB believes that there is a board for everyone at all stages of your career journey. So don’t be hesitant in applying for a role. WOB is here to help!
Stop Fixing Women
02 Mar 2017
The title of Catherine Fox's latest book is meant to be as provocative as it reads. For too long we have focussed on blaming women rather than shifting the system.
- A system built and designed by white anglo-saxon men to benefit white anglo saxon men.
- A system that normalises white anglo-saxon male behaviours across government, business and society.
- A system that says because we legislate for equality we will get equity.
Catherine's new book looks at why the system needs to flex to accommodate differences between men and women and the way they work and lead. Rather than endlessly work on the women to adapt to and benefit from a system we had little hand in creating.
Gear up Girl 2017
24 Feb 2017
Yours truly was delighted to be invited to become an ambassador for the 2017 Gear up Girl, the annual community bike ride of Bicycle NSW and the Heart Foundation.
‘The ride shows off some of Sydney’s most spectacular separated cycle ways. Starting at Sydney Olympic Park and finishing in a festival atmosphere at Cronulla Beach. With 20km, 40km and 60km options; there is a ride to suit you and all your friends.’
A League of Extraordinary Women
24 Feb 2017
This week I was in Brisbane presenting one of our 'get to know WOB information evenings.' Another great crowd of professional, skilled and diverse women with so much to offer our organisations. Just like the women in Sydney and Melbourne last week - and so it goes, in every city, every year.
More on Government Boards
17 Feb 2017
This column has previously canvassed the desirability of including a government board in your portfolio of career activities.
Take care not to legitimise bias
17 Feb 2017
The news today that the Law Council of Australia will roll out a program of unconscious bias training for barristers and law firms, raises more questions than it answers. Universally acclaimed as the new thing in training three or four years ago, there is little evidence to show this approach has reduced the outcome of biases in the workplace - for example, closing the gender pay gap or leading to a significant improvement in the number of women in top leadership roles.
Beyond Boards and CVs
10 Feb 2017
WOB is a movement for change. It has been this since the original idea was broached. We went where others did not tread. We are enthusiastically ‘on the job’ after 10 years.
Women's rights - not as safe as we assume.
10 Feb 2017
We often assume that women's rights, like wine, will mature and improve over time. The truth is that both are influenced by many factors and require significant effort, commitment and financial investment to achieve and maintain.
Focus on Government Boards
03 Feb 2017
Women on Boards has a track record of working with Governments who are actively seeking to increase the representation of females on their boards and committees. We also lobby others who should be doing more - Western Australia comes to mind.
It's the little things that count
03 Feb 2017
It has been something of a rough start to the year. From the tragedy in Melbourne to Trump's executive orders on abortion, refugees and trade, it seems hard to make sense of the world we live in at the moment.
On the shoulders of others
09 Dec 2016
Occasional address by Claire Braund at the 121st Speech Day of the New England Girls’ School, Armidale NSW on 7th December 2016.
The Crocodile Times
09 Dec 2016
Your scribe continues to visit hot climes. This past week it’s been Mission Beach, Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands. All at 35 degrees but with little wind, unlike the biking expedition in South Australia in November.
Growing Number of Not For Profits Pay Directors
02 Dec 2016
The annual survey of the positions posted with Women on Boards 2016 has found that close to 20 per cent of the Not For Profit entities pay director fees
The survey of positions posted from 1 January until the end of November 2016, found that of the board vacancies posted on our website in the categories of Charity/NFP; Foundation / Trust and Sporting Body in 2016:
Coffee chats in the diverse, digital and dichotomous world of 2016
25 Nov 2016
I have an interesting and ongoing conversation with a male friend of mine about older white men being increasingly marginalised by the rise of feminine power in Australia and the wider world. As all of our work at WOB is focussed on building the capacity of women to lead and affect change, it made me reflect on our purpose and if we need to talk about the elephants in the room. Men!
Action needed on world class dataset
18 Nov 2016
Australia has a first in class dataset on gendered workforce employment. To give you a sense of the scale of this dataset, in 2016 more than 12,000 employers provided a gendered break down of their workforce of more than four million employees. That's a lot of numbers to be crunched by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) which this week released its third Gender Equality Scorecard
Pathway to success with WOB
18 Nov 2016
There are many pathways to the boardroom and some of them are longer and more circuitous than others. Few aspirant non-executive-directors (male or female) will leave a role and leap onto boards in short order. Many hedge their bets, starting earlier in their career by combining boards with executive roles or establishing a portfolio career of boards plus consultancy/advisory activities.
US accepts a flawed man, but not a flawed woman
11 Nov 2016
The world's top job once again goes to a white anglo-saxon man. This time it also goes to a man who has a history of treating women like something he scraped off the bottom of his shoe. A man who has bragged about "grabbing women by the pussy" and said we should be "punished for having abortions."
The tough job of being a female CEO
04 Nov 2016
Are female CEOs and political leaders more likely to be handed a poisoned chalice and then their gender used to blame them when they fail?
An option for improving Australia's Paid Parental Leave scheme that doesn't attack 'double dippers'
28 Oct 2016
The Coalition Government is pushing legislation through the Senate to end "double dipping" by new mothers who receive paid maternity leave from their employers as well as from the government through the Paid Parental Leave scheme, with the changes to potentially take effect as early as January 2017.
The move has come up against significant public backlash, with the Opposition predicting around 80,000 new mothers could lose up to $12,000 in such payments every year, including thousands who are already pregnant.
Earlier this week Women's Agenda published a proposal WOB took to the Federal Government on paid parental leave in 2015. WOB believes it's a solution that's fairer across the long term and will ultimately provide more mothers with the 26 weeks paid leave that will help them bond with their babies and return to work. It also aims to give fathers and partners access to more paid leave, AND to achieve some of the significant savings needed.
Boardlinks needs better balance
29 Sep 2016
The Liberal Government has not covered itself in glory when it comes to promoting women into leadership roles and its latest efforts with regard to Government boards and committees are lacklustre to say the least.
Parties close – but not on gender
21 Jun 2016
Analysis by Women on Boards shows that 45.3 per cent of the candidates standing for election for the ALP are female, compared with 28.6 per cent for the Coalition. The Greens are the most gender balanced on 50 per cent with the Xenophon Party at 33.3 per cent.
Be Prepared
17 Feb 2016
Weekly postings of board vacancies are tracking upwards as organisations emerge from the holiday period. To date, some 90 new boards and committees have been listed with WOB. Many of these offer multiple board seats. This week NSW government vacancies have returned.
Numbers Matter in Politics
10 Apr 2015
I recently posted on Linked In that it was good to see media reporting on the number of men and women appointed to Parliament in the recent NSW election, but sad to see only 30% female MPs, with 23 per cent in the governing Coalition. A comment on the post implied we should not measure the success of women by their number in politics as the selection process is flawed, but then went on to say we are very fortunate as women in Australia to have Julia Bishop as a role model. Emphasis on the singular. While Ms Bishop is an excellent role model (as was Julia Gillard, Amanda Vanstone and others before her) it bears remembering that she is only one of two women in a cabinet of 19 - giving a shade over 10 per cent female representation.