Women On Board scholarships for 55

EXTRA >> AUSTRALIAN Institute of Company Directors (AICD) scholarships have been won by 55 talented and ambitious Australian women as part of the Federal Ministry for Women’s Board Diversity Scholarship program.

This latest round of scholarships helps Indigenous women and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to reach leadership positions and ultimately boost female representation on boards. The scholarship program is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the AICD.

Minister for Women, Michaelia Cash said women from these groups tended to be under-represented in leadership positions and on boards. 

“We know that greater diversity on boards improves businesses decision-making and ultimately boosts the bottom line,” Senator Cash said. “Improving the number of women in leadership roles is good for women and their families, for government and for business.

“Initiatives such as the Board Diversity Scholarship program help promote women into senior leadership positions – if we are to see a sustained narrowing of the gender pay gap then we should continue to support such partnerships.”

 “It’s wonderful to see Australian organisations like AICD share our commitment to increasing the number of women in leadership positions, and working towards better gender balance on boards,” Senator Cash said.

Alumni of the prestigious program have gone on to achieve board appointments with a range of listed company boards.

“Our joint scholarship programme is crucial to our efforts to increase the diversity of Australian boards by giving exceptional females the opportunity to undertake education that will improve their credentials,” AICD chief executive officer John Brogden said.

“We recently called on all companies to increase the proportion of women on their boards to 30 percent and will continue to advocate for greater board diversity in gender, culture, thought and experience,” Mr Brogden said.

Sylvia Falzon was a scholarship recipient in 2010 and attended the company directors course.

According to Ms Falzon, undertaking the course improved her confidence as well as her knowledge of the role and responsibilities. Since graduating Ms Falzon has been appointed to Perpetual Limited, SAI Global and Regis Healthcare company boards.

The total Federal Government investment in the program is now over $1 million dollars and ensures the delivery of almost 200 scholarships to Australian women.

www.companydirectors.com.au

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