Event overview

Following the June 6 launch, join CEDA members and guests to hear the key findings of our significant research report into why women continue to be under represented and paid less than their male colleagues in the Australian workforce.

CEDA has been at the forefront of thought leadership on gender equality in the workplace through its Women in Leadership series run across Australia over the last three years.

This CEDA report draws on the discussions from the event series, together with a CEDA survey of the business community and contributions from experts in the field.

With more than 50 per cent of university graduates now female and many studies proving the benefits of a diverse workforce, understanding the persistent gender gap in workplaces is crucial for Australian organisations and businesses looking to hire and retain the best and brightest.

CEDA's report provides analysis of the barriers to equality faced by women in the workforce, in leadership positions and in society.

The report will provide a series of recommendations for consideration by government and business to address these issues. Attendees will receive a copy of the CEDA report.

Meet the keynote speaker

Helen Conway
Director, Workplace Gender Equality Agency

"Doing battle in the corporate world is second nature for the woman charged with keeping business honest." Paul Bibby, Sydney Morning Herald

Helen Conway is Director of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. The Agency is an Australian Government statutory authority and key to the government's efforts to improve gender equality in the workplace.

Prior to joining the Agency, Helen spent 30 years in the private sector. Following 10 years in private practice as a lawyer, including seven years as a partner, Helen joined the corporate sector where she held various executive positions in companies covering the insurance, transport, downstream oil, retailing and construction industries. In addition she has held various directorships in the health, transport and superannuation sectors.

In 1992 Helen was the recipient of the first scholarship awarded by Chief Executive Women which enabled her to undertake studies at the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, and in 2005 was awarded the Australian Corporate Lawyers Association 'Corporate Lawyer of the Year'.

Helen has an established track record in the equal opportunity sphere focussing in particular on initiatives in support of women. She spent 10 years on the NSW Equal Opportunity Tribunal including three years as its Senior Judicial Member.

Helen's appointment as Director of the Agency is for a period of five years and commenced on 27 April 2011.

Meet the commentators

Rebekah Burton
Deputy Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet

Associate Professor Natasha Cica
Director, Inglis Clark Centre for Civil Society, University of Tasmania

Supported by CEDA member: