Women in print release gender equality policy

Women in Print has called for an industry-wide gender equality policy to become standard industry practice. A recent communication to subscribers included a draft Gender Equality policy and industry briefing with statistics setting out principles and strategies for the ongoing improvement in gender equity across the industry.

“With the recent Australian Chief Executive Women’s Census reporting only four of the past year’s 28 executives, across the ASX300 companies, being women, female executives are declining. We must remain focused. The census reveals, at this rate, it will take Australia 100 years to achieve 40% of female in leadership positions. Our industry is desperately short of skilled labour, why would we not engage 50% of the workforce?” commented Susan Heaney, Founder and Chair, Women in Print.

The primary objectives of the policy and its beneficial outcomes are outlined in the  the report titled Gender Equality in the Workplace = increase business success, which  prioritises the following key areas:

Attract – create a culture that will attract a greater number of women to enter the industry and across all work types and roles.

Recruit – improve current recruitment methods and practices to increase the application and participation of women.

Train and Develop – undertake to provide women with purposeful and valuable training that will advance their skills and their careers within the industry.

Retain – actively work to retain women within the industry at any stage of their career.

Evaluate – periodic review of the actions undertaken, results and possible further improvements.

“By implementing this policy, industry members and stakeholders can connect their business objectives and goals to help tackle this issue and grow a more profitable business. Businesses who understand and engage in equal gender representation are 48% more likely to outperform businesses who do not,” commented Kellie Northwood, Executive Secretary, Women in Print.

The policy recommends businesses identify gaps in their current practice and set achievable actions and goals to meet the priorities and principles in their recruitment and retention processes.