Gender Matters: 3rd Women on Boards Conference

27 -29 April 2011
Sheraton on the Park
Sydney, Australia

‘We need to build critical mass in the presence of existing barriers. Critical mass will create the change we are seeking.’ - Jan Elsner

Ralph Norris and John Porter came together on the stage at the Gender Matters Conference to talk about the approach their very different companies were taking to gender diversity. John, the son of an American gender rights activist, has more than 50 per cent women in his executive leadership team at young company Austar. Ralph, the CEO of one of our oldest companies CBA, has set ambitious gender targets he is committed to achieving.

Norway's leading director, Mai-Lill Ibsen, and the Australia's Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Liz Broderick, addressed the issue of quotas and targets at the Conference. It produced the required result in Norway in terms of an increase in numbers, but as Mai-Lill reported, has not been without complications. Women on boards is now a major issue of debate in Australia, but there is still a long way to go was the message from Liz.

Read the presentations from Liz and Mai-Lill.

Great choice of speakers with a range of perspectives. Beneficial in terms of strategies for being a board member and for networking. Very enjoyable and worthwhile. Venue great, Excellent host - Claire Braund. The following sessions were really worthwhile: CEO champions, Margaret Bryne, Making Gender programs work, Quotas and targets.

Great event. Looking forward to next year. Boards beware there is a new breed of woman. Speakers were great. John Porter was very inspirational. Mai-Lill Ibsen was very entertaining and realistic about the Norwegian experience."