YWCA Canberra is proud to accept the accolade of Employer of Choice from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) for the fourth successive year.
Frances Crimmins, Executive Director of YWCA Canberra, said the citation recognises the organisation’s continued commitment to ensuring its workplace policies and practices advance equal opportunities for women.
“As a leading feminist organisation, we will continue to improve and embed our gender equality policies and work with government and all industries to make ACT workplaces more equitable,” Ms Crimmins said.
Ms Crimmins was pleased that a record number of organisations have been granted the citation, indicating that commitment to workplace gender equality is gaining momentum, but said there is still significant scope for improvement in Australian workplaces.
“The pay gap has stubbornly remained at 17% for the past twenty years, implementation of flexible work practices is inconsistent and pregnancy related discrimination is reported by one in two mothers.
“Gender equality will not just happen organically; it must be viewed as a business imperative and needs to be driven by strong leadership, legislative and regulatory reform, and appropriate resourcing.”
YWCA Canberra is a visible advocate for workplace gender equality, with a generous parental leave policy that supports use by women and men, flexible working arrangements and a board traineeship program to offer a development opportunity for four young women in leadership and governance roles.
“The WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation recognises these efforts, and sends a strong message to employers from all sectors about the importance of equal opportunity and equal pay for all staff, regardless of their gender” Ms Crimmins said.
-ENDS-
Frances Crimmins is available for interview.
Media contact: Helen Machalias, 0429 210 881.
Download: Media release – YWCA Canaberra recognised as employer of choice for fourth consecutive year