Written by Christine Johnstone on . Posted in Commission on the Status of Women.


Accountability for Accelerating Progress on Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Rural Woman

An Australian Event

Chair: Hon Kelly O'Dwyer MP Minister for Women

Blog by Katherine Gribble, SISWP Delegate to CSW 62. 

This was a Panel event, and the Panalist were:

The Male Champions for Change was founded in 2010 by Elizabeth Broderick as a group of male leaders who committed to step up beside women and be accountable for achieving gender equality. It has now grown to 160 leaders across all sections of Australian workforce. It addresses issues such as domestic violence as a workplace issue, everyday sexism, the gender pay gap, and women's Representation in non traditional areas. The model is being replicated in countries around the world.

Observations by Brett James AFP stated his first boss was a women and had been influential.  They have a abullying policy and a space people can go and tell their stories without fear or retribution.

Kate Jenkins spoke about the importance of women having economic security and encouragement in leadership roles. AFL headman has come on board, with banks, and the Public Service. There must be commitment and followed by action.

Tim Reed heads a MYOV (Mind Your Own Business, is an Australian multinational corporation that provides tax, accounting and other business services software to small and medium businessesind Your Own Business, is an Australian multinational corporation that provides tax, accounting and other business services software to small and medium businessescompany called MYOB).   The compnay employees 1600 employees 48% are women. The company would like to employ more woman software engineers as there are only 20% at present, the company is implementing a program to assist older women to enter the IT Industry.

I found Joanne Farrell , (Managing Director of Rio Tino), very interesting and putting in place family domestic violence strategies. Currently the workforce conistis of 19.5 % women employed, and 22 % are in senior positions.   Rio Tinto belive that safety and respect for human rights have long been part of the company culture ' and now in Australia, the company is taking action on domestic and family violence to help ensure safety at work and at home.  Education on respect and lack of it. Rio Tinto has been officially recognised by White Ribbon Australia for taking active steps in the workplace to stop violence against women.  Following more than 18 months work, Rio Tinto has achieved a White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation,
recognising the company is working to eradicate violence affecting employees and the communities in which it operates. Rio Tinto are the first mining company to do this. Domesic Violence victims have 10 paid days off to move house, re locate children to new schools and perhaps a new town. They have partnered with the community giving flexibility to manage needs .

For more information:  www. http://malechampionsofchange.com

 

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Report by
Katherine Gribble
Incoming SI Australian National Representative