Sex discrimination commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, has been named the winner of The Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women Of Influence Awards for 2014.
Last night Broderick was recognized for her leadership in the field of sex discrimination as well as her significant contribution to the social and economic advancement of women.
“Gender equality is not a battle of the sexes – it is about one half of humanity supporting each other,” said Broderick. “As women, we must have a strong belief in ourselves, that gender equality is our birth right and that it is as vital for women to be powerful and influential as it is for men.”
Broderick has been an influential voice for many important initiatives and policies in her role as Sex Discrimination Commissioner, including the Commissions Review into the Treatment of Women in the Australian Defence Force and the Male Champions of Change strategy.
Fairfax Media CEO Greg Hywood paid tribute to her contribution.
“She is a shining example of how sharing the positive stories of women in our society can have a powerful impact in helping individuals and companies in Australia to think and act in more progressive ways,” Hywood told the group gathered in Sydney to celebrate the awards.
“Addressing gender inequity is not only right but makes good business sense and makes sense for our future prosperity.”
Westpac CEO Gail Kelly recognized the important work Broderick has done.
“Elizabeth has dedicated a significant portion of her professional career to the advancement of women in Australia and internationally,” Kelly said. “Her dedication to ensuring women have access to more flexible balanced paid work and unpaid caring is something I particularly commend as I believe this will make a tangible difference to the economic prosperity of Australia.”
The awards are now in their third year and showcase some of Australia’s most influential women.
“With each year, these awards continue to build a prestigious alumni – we are now up to 300 inspirational women,” said Kelly.
“Of course these are just some of the wonderful Australian women who are contributing day in and day out to our society. I hope that by sharing their stories, we can create positive role models for the next generation of Australian leaders and encourage other women around the country to make a difference.”
The awards also recognized ten other women across categories of Board/Management, Public Policy, Young Leader, Social Enterprise and Not-for-profit, philanthropy, global Innovation, Local/Regional Community, Diversity and Business Enterprise.
Congratulations to each of the category winners and finalists.
Overall Winner and Diversity Winner: Elizabeth Broderick, Sex Discrimination Commissioner,
Human Rights Commission
Board/Management: Anne-Marie Corboy, CEO, HESTA Super Fund
Business Enterprise: Dr Alex Birrell, CEO, Paftec
Global: Professor Ann Henderson-Sellers, Professor Emerita, Macquarie University
Innovation: Professor Rebecca Ivers, Director, Injury Division, The George Institute for Global Health
Local/ Regional: Linda O’Brien, Principal, Granville Boys’ High School, NSW Department of Education
Philanthropy: Janette Savage, Regional Coordinator/ Funding Chairperson, Cancer Care Western NSW Inc
Public Policy: Professor Jane Halton, Secretary, Department of Finance, Australian Government
Social Enterprise/ Not-for-Profit: Jo Cavanagh, CEO, Family Life
Young Leader: Genevieve Clay-Smith, Co-founder, Bus Stop Films & Taste Creative