Chiefs for Gender Equity welcome first women members

A GROUP of South Australian business leaders driven to improve gender equity in workplaces has just readjusted its own scales for balance, appointing five new women members.

Chiefs for Gender Equity Group (L-R) Clare Harris, Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk and Inca Pearce. Photo Naomi Jellicoe.

A GROUP of South Australian business leaders driven to improve gender equity in workplaces has just readjusted its own scales for balance, appointing five new women members.

The now-nine member male leaders group, Chiefs for Gender Equity, will next month make room for Microsoft SA director Eva Balan-Vnuk, BHP Australian Olympic Dam president Jacqui McGill, Surf Life Saving SA chief executive Clare Harris, Vinehealth Australia Inca Pearce and Elder Care chief Jane Pickering.

The appointments represent an “evolution” of the group first established in 2012 by the Equal Opportunity (EO) Commission of South Australia, said EO Commissioner Dr Niki Vincent.

“The Chiefs for Gender Equity was originally modelled on the national Male Champions for Change program, which consisted of high-­profile male chief executives pledging their commitment to supporting women to promote change,” Dr Vincent said.

“We want to be recognised as models for best practice in achieving and promoting initiatives that increase gender equality and we can do this better by including women in the equation.”

She said the number of women on boards in Australia was still disappointingly low.

“We plan to lead the way with our 50/50 objective to demonstrate to other organisations that gender diversity is essential to good business.”

It comes a month after the group revealed a new four-point ‘action plan’ to embrace flexible workplace practices, growing their “leadership shadow” where they assess their actions, words and priorities to boost gender equity, developing a reporting matrix to assist local businesses, and reducing unconscious bias.

New member Dr Balan-­Vnuk said while maintaining gender diversity in the technology industry can be challenging, it is an imperative for business success and growth.

“As employers in this state, it is up to all business leaders to create meaningful career opportunities for everyone, to drive economic growth for South Australia.

“This means deliberately nurturing diversity in our organisations.

“This is a journey for us, and I’m excited to share some best practice ideas and learn about new approaches through my participation in the Chiefs for Gender Equity group.”