General David Morrison has carved himself out a powerful niche as a fierce advocate for gender equality. The leader of the army is the great promoter of women the armed forces need.
“We live in a world where the squandering of women’s talent, the traducing of their potential, is a global disgrace”, said Morrison said in speech to the Global Summit To End Sexual Violence in London last week.
This is fast becoming the spirit in which Morrison is holding himself in public. Last year he told discriminators and sexists to leave the armed forces and proclaimed publicly his commitment to diversity and inclusion in a video message that went viral.
General Morrison is an inspiring figure, his steely resolve and determination is revered by many – men and women alike. When I posted Morrison’s latest quote on Facebook, my brother noted that if the army can be changed everywhere can be.
But the problem is this; there is only one Morrison leading this charge. While many leading men reaffirm their commitment to gender equality, we need more to put their organisation on notice.
Liz Broderick, Sex Discrimination Commissioner, has noted that gender diversity is at the core of the force’s capabilities. While the Defence Force is somewhat unique in its hyper-masculinity this does not preclude other leaders from showing strong support for gender equality.
Rather than outlining their frustrations with progressing gender equality, those in charge could look to Morrison and do what is best for their organisations. So many times we talk about how women make workplaces more effective and productive – where are the corporate men making similar statements to Morrison?
Our armed forces have received unparalleled focus on their gender issues in the past few years. Following the so-called Skype sex scandal, the institution reacted and is keen to stamp out these issues.
Organisations should not be waiting for a crisis for them to realise that they ought to prioritise women. The simmering frustrations that are quick to build up rock teams to their core. Only poor leadership allows that to happen.
So often people parade their support for women and diversity, but it means very little unless they are willing to act on it.
If people are not willing to call out discrimination and act with their convictions it is right for us to consider their intentions. Authentic leadership comes from our passions; it is easy to see Morrison expose his when he talks about the potential of women within the armed forces.
It fails logic and trust to say one thing but drag our heels in another ways. Let us embrace the drive of men like Morrison and expect more from others in his league.