Where are all the Women?

Despite knowing that businesses who have women in senior leadership roles are more profitable and sustainable in the longer term, the latest statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show that women are still not making it to the top in any great numbers.

In fact, only 17% of all CEOs are women. This not only highlights the imbalance of gender roles, but also shows why inequality in pay and financial freedom between the genders exists.

If corporations want to succeed, and if Australia wants to show it is serious about gender equality in the workplace, then we need to do something about changing these figures. A change this significant requires determined and dedicated people to take on the cause, and to be the change they wish to see in the world.

You already know that if you want to change your life it is up to you, and no one else, to make those changes. If you are striving to be one of these female CEOs in the corporate world and intent on carving the path for future generations of women, then only you can take these steps.

Embarking on some self-development, both personal and professional, is a good first step. You can never know everything, and although you may already have done a sizeable amount of self-work, you can’t stop there. Progress and changes in technology and business happen, and it is essential that you stay ahead of them.

Developing your personal and relationship skills, in communication, leadership, and business relationships is ideal. It provides you with the knowledge and tools you need to effectively ‘make it’ in this still male-dominated environment.

As much as we can, encouraging and facilitating change in attitudes and behaviours, rather than pounding away at a glass ceiling, is the way to go. Showing you are not just able to play the same game, but play the game better although perhaps differently, is far more beneficial. This provides better outcomes for the business, too, in terms of finances, staff morale and staff retention.

Investing in yourself and in your personal and business development isn’t just about you; it is also important for the success of Australian business, future generations of women, and for our society in general.