Gender Matters Conference

[CPC]

With current trends forecasting a labour shortage of 1.4 million workers by the end of the decade, Australia’s economic success may depend on attracting and retaining skilled women and expanding their opportunity to lead.

Women on Boards is bringing together a range of expert speakers at its third annual conference, Gender Matters, on 27-29 April to explore the serious issue of why, if women constitute 45 percent of the workforce in Australia, they are still under-represented in leadership roles and on boards.

Leading speakers will be discussing cutting edge attitudes and actions for more gender diverse boardrooms and executive teams. The conference aim is to take leadership on this critically important issue in the coming decade.

Claire Braund Executive Director of Women on Boards said, “There is no doubt that conscious and unconscious bias against gender continues to play a major role in the workplace and we want to provide people with the opportunity to learn, share and build powerful relationships to break this barrier and promote change.”

“The gender gap is a real issue with real implications and should be taken seriously by men and women, especially those working in corporate Australia where failure to appoint women can have real implications for company performance.”

“We have chosen presenters that will inspire delegates and provide strategies and actions to empower women to maximise their career potential and achieve senior roles as well as providing solutions to help companies make this happen,” said Ms Braund.

There are over 30 inspiring and leading speakers including:
• Theresa Gattung, Chair Wool Partners International & former CEO of Telecom New Zealand
• Elizabeth Bryan, Chair Caltex & UniSuper, director Westpac and AICD
• Ralph Norris, CEO Commonwealth Bank of Australia
• John Porter, CEO Austar
• Mai-Lill Ibsen, Non-Executive Director of Norwegian public, private and government companies
• Elizabeth Broderick, Sex Discrimination Commissioner
• Josephine Sukkar, director Trust Foundation & Buildcorp
• Kim Anderson, director Carsales.com and STW Communications Group
• Dr Margaret Byrne, UGM Consulting

The conference will provide the opportunity for attendees to book free sessions with a number of ‘Directors in Residence’ who will provide the opportunity to discuss career directorship aspirations and provide expert advice.

This year Gender Matters will have a strong focus on health and well being with nutritious meals, personal training sessions and free massages being offered to all attendees. Free childcare will also be provided for the duration of the conference and a book store will be set up to provide the opportunity to purchase reading material on key issues discussed.

Details:
Date: 27-29 April 2011
Where: Sheraton on the Park, 161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney
For more information and program details visit: Women on Boards
To register visit: Women on Boards