Workplace gender equality expert Helen Conway has been appointed Chair of Women for Election Australia (WFEA), to help enable the group’s mission to support and equip women at all levels of government.
Conway, the former CEO of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), saw the seamless implementation of the new legislation governing the Agency. Her efforts drove long-term changes for gender equality in Australian workplaces by delivering world-leading gender benchmarking, conducting bold change campaigns and developing innovative educational resources.
She said she’s delighted to be taking up the new role. “We will not “move the dial” substantively and sustainably towards gender equality until we have women in leadership positions and part of the very important discussions and decisions,” she said.
“This is why the work of WFEA is so important in equipping women to seek office at all levels of government. I look forward to building on the legacy of outgoing Chair, Jenny Morris. We are at a pivotal point in the push for gender equality which must be seized.”
Licia Heath, CEO of WFEA noted the work done by Founder and Chair, Jenny Morris, “It takes vision, persistence and grit to step into the unknown (just like running for election!) and I know Jenny takes enormous pride in seeing the women our organisation has inspired to engage in Australian politics. Jenny now moves into the Emeritus Chair role with WFEA, so she will still share with us her knowledge and skills.”
“While change is happening at the helm, our missing is unchanged: to increase the number, influence and diversity of women in politics in Australia and engaging more women in the political process. We do this by providing the very best training and support for women to enter political life, run for office, support electoral campaigns and move up the ladder to higher elective and appointed office”, Licia writes.