Chief executives Clare Amies and Ashlee Harrison discuss the business benefits of increasing women in leadership and enhancing workplace diversity.
Only one in four business leaders in Australia are women, and even less – 21.9 per cent – hold a position as chief executive.
Data from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency Scorecard 2023-24 conveys an ongoing need to improve gender balance in senior leadership and ultimately strengthen business through workplace diversity.
Clare Amies, chief executive of Activ Foundation and genU, said organisations that were passionate about workplace diversity were the ones that thrived most.
“There is absolutely clear evidence around what happens in organisations that embrace diversity,” she said.
“You get much better decision making. You have much stronger results in terms of your performance. People want to come and work with you.”
Ms Amies stepped up to lead WA-based Activ Foundation as chief executive when the organisation merged with Victoria’s genU in July 2024.
Collectively, the merged entity employs more than 6,500 people, which it says places it among the top five disability services providers in the country.
“Despite centuries of social constructs indicating otherwise … I think that to achieve true gender equality, it does require us to recognise that we are inherently equal in value." Activ Foundation and genU CEO Clare Amies
According to Ms Amies, achieving gender equity in the workplace would require a mindset transition to recognise this as a human issue, not a women’s issue.
“It's everybody's responsibility to make this change, and workplaces are a microcosm of society,” she said.
“If we’re genuine about respecting difference and diversity, we have to create an environment of understanding, but also of education and showing people why it's really important to not just talk about equality, but actually have policies and procedures in place [and] to have training for people about why this is so important.
“Despite centuries of social constructs indicating otherwise … I think that to achieve true gender equality, it does require us to recognise that we are inherently equal in value.
“That’s really about how we make genuine progress, putting aside our preconceived ideas, our biases around gender roles and the role of people, regardless of your gender.
“It's about having the courage and willingness to challenge and move beyond those entrenched social norms, but it's also an opportunity to have deep conversations to understand why those biases exist, to actually set up systems that make sure there are equal opportunities for everyone where people's background, their experience, and their lived experience is respected.”
zero2hero CEO Ashlee Harrison. Photo: Michael O'Brien
Ashlee Harrison, who leads youth mental health charity zero2hero as chief executive, said there was evidence that more women in leadership resulted in better business.
“It is no secret that increasing the number of women in senior executive positions is socially responsible, however data shows that not it’s not just the ‘right’ thing to do, but it is also ‘good for business’,” Ms Harrison said.
“What is important to acknowledge is gender balance in leadership has to align with strategic business goals, promote innovation, and contribute to financial growth and balanced decision-making.
“I believe that effective leadership can be achieved irrespective of gender. Whilst being a female in leadership has been met plenty of challenge due to industry inequalities, I have developed resilience and persistence as a result, increasing the impact we have been able to make for young people.”
zero2hero has been empowering young women since its inception in 2013 and more than 1,000 young women have attended a Camp Hero program, learning skills to build confidence and resilience.
Ms Harrison said the not-for-profit sector employed a high proportion of women.
“In my experience, supporting our team with training … is vital to achieving our vision,” she said.
“Empowering young people is part of our mission, therefore empowering our team - mostly women - is a natural expression for us.”
Activ Foundation and genU CEO Clare Amies.
Committing to change
Ms Amies said gender equity in leadership would only be achieved through dedication to change.
“When it comes to making change, I think that you do need to embrace courage and resilience,” she said.
“They go hand in hand, for me. With change comes resistance.
“What I would love for the future is that we're not just having the conversation, but are part of a global society, and Western Australia particularly is part of a global society.
“We can't ever underestimate that there will be different views, that there will be challenges going forward, but what's really important is that we create an environment where we're embracing the debate, the conversation and change.”
Building strong relationships and diversifying the workplace were two key focuses for Ms Amies as a leader.
“Often, when we think about change, it's really about influence, isn't it? So influence comes from strong trust and collaboration," she said.
“Connect with a mentor, have allies, make sure you've got diverse voices around you, because it really does strengthen your leadership.
“One of the challenging things in my life, but something I'll never stop doing, is making sure I have diverse voices around me. It's really important.
“Sometimes people don't feel they can challenge people in senior roles. I'm really aware of making sure that people know I thrive on challenge.
“I'll find it hard, I'm human like everyone else, but if I'm not hearing those diverse voices, I may be really missing something important.”
