Marilyn Forsythe BPW National President

Population and Percentage of Women 21,766,711 with a 50/50 split Percentage of women across age groups: 0-420% % %

Type of Government Constitutional Monarchy

Largest Two Employers Woolworths Coles Myer (Supermarkets and Department Stores)

When did women get the right to vote 1902

First woman elected to Federal Parliament in 1943 Dame Edith Lyons

Number of Women in Positions of Power in the Govt  30% of the Parliament are women  23% of the Ministry are women  First woman Governor General - Quentin Bryce  First women Prime Minister - Julia Gillard

What kind of women own businesses Women are starting SMEs at 1.5 times the National Average Women owned businesses comprise 46% of the total workforce of Australia

Biggest Challenge Cultural change and this will only happen as more women penetrate all levels of decision making in local, state and federal governments; and private and not for profit sectors. Aspirational targets are not sufficient without some form of accountability. Male attitudes

Biggest Challenge One or two senior women is not sufficient to drive cultural change; we know it needs to be at least 30%, and ideally 40%. When decisions that are made take into account the true gender balance of our nation then the whole nation will benefit and we will be seen as equal partners

Biggest Challenge To engage male champions