The hub of home-grown inspirational women
Gillian Franklin, the Managing Director of Australia's largest cosmetic company, The Heat Group, says when making hiring decisions, businesses should consider the highly developed skill sets of working mothers, including multi-tasking, people management, collaboration, and delegation. The Heat Group is the exclusive Australian distributor of Max Factor, COVERGIRL, Bourjois, essence and Jeanne Arthes fragrances, the official licensee of Warner … [Read more...]
Nareen Young, CEO of the Diversity Council Australia, argues that employers need to give mothers the flexibility and support they really want – not just this Mother’s Day – but every day. On Mother’s Day, we take the time to acknowledge all the things our mums do for us and the important role mothers play in our society. When we think about Mother’s Day we often think just about soft focus images of mums with snuggly little babies … [Read more...]
Many women feel uncomfortable when asking for a pay rise at work and it seems women are holding themselves back from getting what they really deserve. Here is a look at how women can overcome the barriers and get themselves on a level pegging with their male counterparts. The Scenario Picture the scene, a hard working, already high-powered woman is going for a highly substantial promotion. She is up against male colleagues with similar … [Read more...]
When President Park Geun-hye stepped into South Korea’s Blue House on 25th February, she became the 17th female head of state presiding in the world today. In 2013, we have women at the helm of Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh - some of the world’s largest, most populous and economically successful countries on Earth. We have women heading up the European Union, the International Monetary Fund, the US’s Homeland … [Read more...]
New research commissioned from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) challenges the picture our society has of working women. Social researcher Suzi Skinner calls it 'Invisible Women Syndrome'. Although we can all agree that family-friendly workplaces are definitely a step in the right direction, many women are concerned that the diversity push has stalled. The ABS research commissioned by Optimiss Consulting, reveals the majority of … [Read more...]
On the eve of International Women's Day 2013, working women in Australia want more flexibility in the workplace and greater representation of women in senior management. The majority of Australian Women would choose work-life balance over wealth and think 'having an interesting job' is one of the key indicators of success. According to the What Women Want @ Work study* released today by LinkedIn, professional woman identified the gender pay … [Read more...]
The Diversity Council Australia (DCA) says more work is urgently needed to address the critical underutilisation of female mature-age talent in the workplace. Mature-age women earn only two thirds of the income of mature-age men, have significantly lower workforce participation, are more likely to be underemployed and retire earlier with around half the superannuation of men of the same age. ABS statistics reveal that mature-age women … [Read more...]
In almost every society there have been women who fought against the general preferential treatment toward men occupying important roles, to be powerful leaders. From Cleopatra to Hillary Clinton, history is rich with powerful female leaders. Below are some quotes from some of them and what we can learn from them. "Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't!" - Margaret Thatcher As polarising as … [Read more...]
Whether they are based on the Pilbara’s offshore mega-projects or within the remote coalfields of Central Queensland, women working across Australia’s vast resource sector can now benefit from the industry’s first dedicated virtual mentoring program. Delivered by resource industry employer group AMMA with support from the Australian Government under the National Resource Sector Workforce Strategy, the Australian Women in Resources … [Read more...]
As most of you would be aware by now, the National Australia Day Council has named Ita Buttrose AO OBE Australian of the Year 2013, making her only the 12th woman to receive the nation's top honour. An Australian publishing icon and trail blazer for working women everywhere, in more recent years Ita Buttrose has used her considerable media experience and high public profile to champion social and health issues, in particular those affecting … [Read more...]
In 2012 we witnessed the rise of some of the world’s most talented and dedicated women – in the fields of business and media, sport, fashion, politics and the arts. But which go-getting gals are set to be the star players of 2013? 2012 was quite a year for women on the international stage. We watched US businesswoman Marissa Mayer leap to 3rd place on Forbes’ Power Women list (from an initial 92nd ranking), and looked on in awe as Lena … [Read more...]
Congratulations! The time has come to get out there and get yourself a new job. With everything else going on in your life it might seem a bit daunting. Lots of people tell me that they get nervous prior to an interview because they don’t know what to expect. So plan, prepare and practice some of your answers to the obvious questions and you’ll be likely to nail that job you covet! Here are a few simple tips to help you on your way in … [Read more...]
It is the time of year when many people are considering a career change. Anita Dickons (pictured) from Above the Line Thinking shares with us her top 5 tips for evaluating your role and making a career change. Be honest with yourself: While it sometimes takes a crisis for us to make a change in our lives, a good indication that you are no longer fulfilled is a lack of energy and enthusiasm on a daily basis. When the pain of desperation … [Read more...]
Carolyn Majda is one of only a few business women currently leading insurance organisations in Australia. She has a solid foundation in leadership, marketing, and business management and is a renowned industry figure who regularly comments on her fields of expertise. Carolyn realised her executive potential during her first management role for a commercial business, and after starting a family, she decided to fine tune her skills with … [Read more...]
We usually don't feature fashion shows here at Australian Women Online but this one is different - a protest if you will, against all those fashion magazines and websites out there who really could be doing much more to support emerging talent in the fashion industry. As you can see from this fashion editorial, it really doesn't have to take up more than one page amongst the celebrities and high-profile fashion shows, for a fashion mag or … [Read more...]
One of the most common forms of personal injury is accidents that occur in the workplace. Throughout our daily working lives we risk injury from the moment we arrive on the premises, even without knowing it. Accidents can occur in the car park, the foyer, the stairs – and these are before you’ve even clocked in! Then take into consideration that those working with machinery are always at risk from the moment they press the on button or … [Read more...]
Western Australia lags behind every other state when it comes to appointing women to company boards and executive positions according to the 2012 Australian Census of Women in Leadership. WA is the headquarters for more than a quarter of all ASX 500 companies, but women hold only 3.5% of directorships in the state - nationally, women hold 9.2 % of directorships across the ASX 500. WA also has the lowest proportion of women in executive … [Read more...]
At an age when most teenagers are still learning to drive, 17 year old Brisbane teenager Renee Gracie has become the first female driver to contest the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship. Renee, who turns 18 in January, will take to the track in 2013 driving her Fujitsu Racing Porsche 997 Cup Car. Renee, a former Rotax Pro and CIK karter, has been part of the Fujitsu 'Cool' Driver Program since its inception in 2010 and for the last … [Read more...]
A new website has been launched to help people return to work after an absence due to depression, anxiety or other mental health disorders. returntowork.net.au helps people with a mental health issue to lead productive working lives. The site was developed by a group of researchers in the Population Mental Health Group at the University of Melbourne with support from an expert Advisory Panel and funding from beyondblue. The majority of … [Read more...]
This is a story about women helping other women. On 11 November 2012, Sydney women opened their hearts and their wallets in support of the local arm of Dress for Success, a global charity dedicated to improving the lives of women. Leading the fund-raising effort was Sydney business woman and philanthropist, Maureen Houssein-Mustafa OAM. Dress for Success Sydney is a registered charity that outfits disadvantaged women free of charge, in high … [Read more...]
A recent survey of Australia's top business women found that women are much more inclined to attribute their success to teamwork, referring to 'we' rather than 'me' or 'I' when discussing their achievements. This is, as we know, in stark contrast to business men, who are happy to take centre stage and talk up their achievements to get ahead. Why aren't we taking credit for our achievements and should women be making more of an effort to talk … [Read more...]
Up until now working for an employer from home has been a privilege enjoyed by only a lucky few. But with the continuing roll-out of the National Broadband Network (NBN) the Federal Labor Government is encouraging more employers to provide Australian workers with the means and the opportunity to work remotely. Speaking at the official launch of the first National Telework Week today, the Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the Australian … [Read more...]
Baseball is now the fastest growing sport in Australia and the Australian Baseball Federation’s only female board member, public relations and marketing expert Yasmine Gray, has set her sights on the goal of establishing baseball in the hearts and minds of this sport loving nation. With baseball now the fasted growing sport in Australia, President of the Australian Baseball Federation (ABF) David Hynes says “the time is right” for the … [Read more...]
I was walking out of the Vibe hotel in North Sydney when my mobile phone rang. The voice on the end of the line was a very familiar one, it was the voice of a friend who is an SAS soldier. What was unfamiliar was his tone of voice because it was one of fear, uncertainty, and panic. I asked, "Man are you ok? You sound terrible!" "No Ad’s I am not ok, I have a situation and I’m freaking out, I don’t know what to do, I think I am having … [Read more...]
According to the only national and trend data on sexual harassment in Australian workplaces, sexual harassment at work is widespread and progress for addressing the issue has stalled in 2012. The results of the sexual harassment national telephone survey 2012, released on 30 October 2012 by Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, shows that one in four women and one in six men have been sexually harassed in the workplace in the … [Read more...]
Women on the Rise is this year’s theme for the annual National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Crystal Vision Awards, which celebrates the significant contribution made by women to the construction industry in Australia. The QLD/NT awards held at the Brisbane Convention Centre on 26 October 2012, completes the NAWIC awards program for this year, which saw 5 women and 1 man, honoured for their achievements and contribution to … [Read more...]
Jan Owen, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for Young Australians has topped the list of 100 Women of Influence for 2012. Nine additional women from the 100 Women of Influence list have been honoured for their contribution to the economic and social future of Australia at the 2012 Women of Influence Awards sponsored by Westpac and the Financial Review. To be considered for inclusion in the list of 100 Women of Influence, women in … [Read more...]
As eBay Head of Fashion, Australia & New Zealand, Jo-Ann Hicks (pictured) spends her day working on the things she loves: fashion, shopping and online. The launch of Fashion Gallery at eBay is cited by Jo-Ann as her most exciting project to date. As part of a global focus on the fashion business, she oversaw the development of the Fashion Gallery from concept to launch in October 2011. Jo-Ann is currently working on the final stages of … [Read more...]
The Sydney Leadership Program has played a part in the careers of many of Australia's most successful leaders from charities, activist based organisations, corporations and government, with recent participants coming from GetUp!, Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Choice, The Asylum Seekers Centre of NSW, Australian Conservation Foundation and St George Community Housing. Those who undertake the Sydney Leadership Program run by The Benevolent … [Read more...]
When you work from home there can be so many distractions. For most there are pets, children, television, a comfy place to read a book and gardening that always needs doing. These can drag you away from your work but having a really inspirational office can make a huge difference to your productivity. Your own space If at all possible you should have a place in your home where you can go and work. A room that's a dedicated office, a heated … [Read more...]
Jane Hunt, the CEO of Fitted for Work is the only Australian among 20 international winners selected by The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, in the 2012 Global Social Entrepreneur of the Year competition. In 2012 1,000 applicants from around the world were considered for the prestigious award and each year only 20-25 social entrepreneurs are selected by the Foundation for their efforts in innovation, sustainability, reach and … [Read more...]
London wants Australian nannies. Traditional jobs for the UK childcare market leaned toward hiring Italian, French and other Western European women as nannies, but the market is changing rapidly according to UK childcare companies. The typical Briton is looking more toward Australians to carry out the nanny duties. According to surveys of British women, they find the Australian nannies easy to fit into the family, they are more friendly and … [Read more...]
The Layne Beachley Aim for the Stars Foundation provides funding for women and girls who need assistance in reaching their goals in their sporting, academic, community or cultural pursuits. After personally experiencing the financial pressures of supporting the early years of her professional surfing career, Layne Beachley (pictured) decided to establish the foundation in 2003 to give assistance to women to achieve their ambitions. “Any … [Read more...]
A report by Westpac has found that women are not planning financially for gaps in their career cycle. While saving for retirement is a concern for all Australians, knowing how and when to maximise your wealth can be tricky. This is one of the reasons why utilising the services of a financial planner can be so helpful - an industry specialist will be well-placed to assist you with a long-term strategy for savings. And according to a … [Read more...]
For women in the workforce, the atmosphere of equality is certainly different to that of the last generation. However the fight for a more balanced working environment for women across all industries and sectors continues, as does the removal of other disincentives to female roles in the workforce. The federal government released its Women's Statement 2012 on May 15, detailing a collection of reforms that aim to contribute toward the … [Read more...]
With elections for Victoria's 79 local governments taking place on 28 October 2012, the Victorian Government has funded the Think women for local government 2012 project. It is a campaign aimed at attracting more women to become candidates for local government. What does a council look like when it reflects the community? For a start, the ratio of women and men councillors would be around 50:50. While women make up more than half of … [Read more...]
By Helen Conway, Director of Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency. Around Australia through March we at the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) have been toasting the 125 organisations awarded the EOWA 2012 Employer of Choice for Women citation. The citation recognises their efforts in areas such as closing the gender pay gap, placing women in executive management and offering a flexible workplace for those … [Read more...]
Ahead of its much anticipated re-opening on 29th March 2012, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Sydney is attracting a steady stream of opposition to the $53 million redevelopment. The task of responding to MCA's most outspoken critics, falls to it's Director, Elizabeth Ann Macgregor OBE, the British-trained curator hired in 1999 to reverse the museum's dwindling fortunes. When Elizabeth Ann Macgregor took over the running of the MCA, … [Read more...]
Although we still have a long way to go, if the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) Employer of Choice for Women (EOCFW) citation program is any indication, working women in Australia have reason to hope for a brighter future. The war for talent is heating up, according to Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) Director, Helen Conway, with 125 organisations qualifying for the Agency’s national EOWA … [Read more...]
Australian Women Online are proud to be an official supporter of Macquarie University Women, Management and Work Conference 2012. As an official supporter of the conference we are authorised to provide an exclusive 25% discount code (see below). Now in it's 24th year, the Women, Management & Work Conference provides practical advice on workplace diversity, networking and strategies, to achieve higher levels of women in leadership roles … [Read more...]