The Queensland Government is closing in on its targets to increase the number of women on boards, with nearly 50 per cent representation across state government bodies.
There is now 43 per cent representation of women on Queensland Government bodies, which is up from 31 per cent in two years ago, and another step closer to the government’s goal.
“In 2015, we set targets of 50 per cent of all new board appointees to Queensland Government bodies to be women and to have 50 per cent representation of women on Queensland Government bodies by 2020,” said Minister for Communities and Women Shannon Fentiman.
“We are already seeing very positive results that indicate we will reach these gender parity targets ahead of schedule. And we are on track to reach our target of 50 per cent of new appointees being women, having already reached 47 per cent as at 30 June 2017.”
Ms. Fentiman said the numbers of women in the workforce were at record levels but women were still on average earning 16.4 per cent less than their male counterparts.
“We know women are under-represented in decision-making and leadership roles,” she said.
“This limits the opportunities for women to have their voices heard at senior, decision-making levels, and to contribute to civic, business and community life.
“That’s why we set our gender parity targets – and they are helping to tackle gender inequality and smash the glass ceiling.”
The Queensland Government committed $600,000 over three years to the Toward Gender Parity: Women on Boards Initiative.
The Queensland Government also released its Queensland Women’s Strategy 2016-21 last year.
“The strategy sets out a shared vision for Queensland that the community respects women, embraces gender equality and promotes and protects the rights, interests and well-being of women and girls,” she said.