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Landmark survey supports quotas for Boards

A landmark survey of female directors has revealed more than 50 percent support legislated gender quotas for public listed (ASX) company boards. The survey was conducted online in September 2009 by leading advocate for boardroom change, Women on Boards.

Claire Braund, Executive Director of Women on Boards, said the unprecedented level of support shown in the survey for legislated gender quotas was indicative of the high level of frustration among working women in Australia. “Five years ago I doubt we would have seen this result, but we are seeing more and more women becoming increasingly disillusioned that anything is going to change,” Braund said. “They have spent their careers hearing that self-belief, application, merit, education and the pipeline will deliver them positions at the top – only to find it is all a myth.” “Women know the majority of companies don’t appoint executives and directors solely on the basis of merit – because if they did 90 per cent would not be men.”

The survey revealed overwhelming support (76%) for boards and committees of government entities and public listed companies setting gender targets. Women on Boards is acting on the advice of AICD and Origin Energy Chair, Kevin McCann, and from 1 January 2010 will be publicly naming and shaming companies that don’t promote women into board roles. The results will be published six monthly on its website and distributed widely across business networks.

For more information contact Claire Braund on 0409 981 781 (before 9am) or 02 4369 6006 Ruth Medd on 0419 407 231. For the full survey results go to the website.