The Australian Army has been named one of the top 50 leading employers for women in a report published this month by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
Army was one of three Australian organisations recognised for its best practice efforts in increasing opportunities for women. Other companies recognised are from 13 Asia-Pacific countries, including the United States, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan and New Zealand.
The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, said the result was a positive reflection on the work Army has done to increase the participation of women.
“For our Army to be recognised as a best practice Australian employer in the attraction and retention of female soldiers and officers is indicative of our continuing progress to be a truly inclusive organisation,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.
“This report recognises and validates the hard work undertaken by the thousands of men and women in our Army to increase the representation of women in our organisation.
“While we have achieved a great deal, we are still in the early stages. The APEC report recognises that we are making progress and I am tremendously proud of our efforts.”
The APEC project is a collaborative effort between Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the APEC Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy and public agencies from the participating APEC economies.
The project aimed to raise awareness of women’s economic contributions to business activities and contribute towards greater opportunities for women to take on more leadership roles and to be further included in economic activities.
To achieve this, approximately 50 exemplary companies and organisations from APEC economies were selected to share their efforts in increasing opportunities for women with stakeholders in APEC economies and beyond.
Being recognised as one of the 50 Leading Companies for Women marks a waypoint in Army’s journey towards becoming a more inclusive organisation. This acknowledgment confirms that Army is emerging as an internationally recognised leader in advocating for equality and inclusivity within the workforce.
Media note:
The full report can be viewed at http://publications.apec.org/publication-detail.php?pub_id=1586
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
