Earlier this month, the Sun Herald reported that first Male Champion of Change award had to be cancelled because there were not enough entries. This award was created to recognise a man who demonstrated outstanding commitment to supporting womens career development, promoted change, or had demonstrated a positive impact on gender equality in the workplace.
Why was this not front page news? Where is the discussion in our top organisations? Where are Australia’s male executives who can demonstrate this commitment?
It is clear that Australia’s organisations still need a lot of work from within to promote gender equality in the workplace. Orijen’s Future Leaders Program is helping to fill this gap by creating networks of professional executive women who can support and guide each other’s careers.
The third Future Leaders Program has recently ended with a celebration of friendships, learning and inspiration. As one participant said at the end of the program, “Thank you for believing in me. 2013 will mark a point of change, not only in my approach to my professional career but in life in general, thanks to the connections I’ve made with this group. I will hold close and take forth the warmth, openness, support and guidance shared throughout the year.”
Congratulations to our new graduates, and we look forward to seeing your careers grow and develop.