'No-brainer': put women at centre of productivity push

West Australian

8 hours ago

Workforce participation by women must be at the forefront of the federal government's productivity agenda, as experts call for policies that continue to improve gender equality in Australia.
Gender equality advocate Helen Conway has recently been appointed president of Chief Executive Women (CEW) and says the organisation will work with government, business and community leaders to advance women.
The organisation was established in 1985 to address the under-representation of women in leadership.
Four decades later, CEW has 1200 members across Australian workplaces who lead a combined 1.3 million employees and oversee $749 billion in revenue.
As the 48th parliament prepares to meet for the first time, the Albanese government has declared its focus on boosting national productivity.
This will include hosting a productivity summit in August at Parliament House attended by business, union and other leaders to focus on lifting economic output.
But the priority of any productivity measures must be to boost women's workforce participation, Ms Conway said.
That includes improving the foundations that allow women to work, such as affordable, accessible and quality childcare.
'Increasing female workforce participation is a no-brainer economically - it enhances GDP, brings in more workers and boosts the economy,' Ms Conway told AAP.
'One of the most critical issues is for the government to continue its program of ensuring childcare is available and that it is safe.'
While reforms to make childcare more affordable and include superannuation on government paid parental leave had made a difference to working women, progress should not be taken for granted, Ms Conway said.
The dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the United States should be cause for concern and gender equality efforts needed to include men.
'We have done a disservice to men and haven't brought them on the journey with us,' Ms Conway said.
'It's unfortunate that some men have drawn the conclusion that if women get ahead, they will be disadvantaged.'
As the winner of one of the first scholarships offered by CEW at the beginning of her career, Ms Conway said it was a full circle moment to take on the role as president.
During her career she has served at chief executive of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, ran as an independent for NSW parliament and undertaken roles in multiple boardrooms and legal practices.
She credits CEW as pivotal to her being able to move through the executive ranks of multiple workplaces.
But her priority as president is to make the organisation more ambitious, inclusive and active.
'We will champion women from all backgrounds and ensure no woman is left behind,' she said.
'We will make a concerted effort to champion First Nations and culturally diverse leaders, not-for-profit leaders, regional leaders and others who we believe are not being included at the level they should be.'