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EOWA business achievement awards showcased companies that promote women and support their career advancement by creating flexible workplaces.
Aussie women are proving they can hold their own with male work colleagues and are helping to break down gender barriers along the way.
And with the number of women in full-time work continuing to grow it is little wonder that they are rising to the top in a range of fields.
But the fairer sex can’t do it alone and flexible work environments, as well as access to childcare and support are becoming increasingly important as working mums juggle commitments at home and in the office.
A number of organisations and businesses are enhancing their brand by implementing family friendly policies.
While others are making sure that women are in the best position they can be to advance their careers and build on already developed skill sets.
At the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) Business Achievement Awards, which were held in Sydney this week (November 9), a number of leading company’s and organisations were handed out.
EOWA director Helen Conway is well known for her dedication to promoting women in business and she made sure that this year’s event didn’t just focus on short-term goals but put in place plans that could lead to long term improvements.
“This year’s finalists from diverse industries around Australia are leading the way in promoting gender equality in workplaces,” she told audience members at Doltone House in Pyrmont.
The minister for the status of women Kate Ellis, who was one of the country’s youngest federal members when she entered politics, also spoke at the event.
“Women bring depth to business and decision making, and more importantly, as a result, Australian workplaces have improved profitability and governance,” she said.
“The EOWA 2011 Business Achievements Awards is a chance for all Australians to recognise and celebrate the contributions and progress made by such top performing organisations.”
Ms Ellis announced CSL, a major pharmaceutical brand, as the winner of the Minister’s Award for its commitment to creating an on-site childcare centre that services up to 1800 staff members.
The brand made the move to update its human resource facilities after it found that many new mums were delaying coming back to work due to inadequate support.
Among the 30 finalists the National Australia Bank, Catholic Education Office in Adelaide, Australian Catholic University and St Barbara Limited were recognised for their contributions to gender equity.
In addition to this individuals such as chief executive officer at the University of Western Australia Alan Robson and Sally Macindoe from North Rose Australia.
The winners of the EOWA Business Achievement Awards are:
The Minister’s Award for Outstanding EEO Initiative/Result for the Advancement of Women
- CSL Limited
Outstanding EEO Practice for the Advancement of Women in a Non-Traditional Area or Role
- National Australia Bank Limited
Leading CEO for the Advancement of Women
- Alan Robson (University of Western Australia)
Diversity Leader for the Advancement of Women
- Sally Macindoe (Norton Rose Australia)
Leading Organisation for the Advancement of Women (<800 employees)
- Catholic Education Office Adelaide
Leading Organisation for the Advancement of Women (>800 employees)
- Australian Catholic University Limited
EOWA Director’s Award (for an individual)
- Deborah Waterhouse, Vice-President and General Manager, Australia and New Zealand, GlaxoSmithKline.
EOWA Director’s Award (for an organisation)
- St Barbara Limited.