Bosses in gender equity push
WA's new Governor Kerry Sanderson says the fight for gender equality should not be perceived as a "battle of the sexes" nor feminism as being "anti-men".
Speaking at Government House at the launch of a new gender equity group, the State's first female governor said men and women must work together to address the lack of women in senior roles and on company boards and the gender pay gap.
In a brief but candid speech to some of Perth's top corporate figures, Mrs Sanderson said gender stereotypes did not help men or women.
"For example, it would be good if men were encouraged to talk more about their feelings," she said. "Perhaps they'd have less mental health issues. Both men and women should be encouraged to be sensitive.
"I have sometimes found that it's difficult to explain what I think is needed because I believe in gender equality, but sadly the word feminism has sometimes been taken out of context and been thought of as women being anti-men. For me, I've worked with a lot of men and I have sons, so I'm certainly not anti-men."
Mrs Sanderson said she was encouraged by initiatives such as the United Nations HeForShe campaign, which encourages men to speak out about sexism. "I find the HeForShe campaign a refreshing approach because it's saying that both sexes need to work together for equality and it's not a battle of the sexes," she said.
Mrs Sanderson yesterday launched the CEOs for Gender Equity group, comprising 17 chief executives from the corporate, not-for-profit and government sectors. They include Wesfarmers chief executive Richard Goyder, Alcoa Australia managing director Alan Cransberg, Programmed managing director Chris Sutherland and Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA chief executive Deidre Willmott.
Mr Sutherland said teachers and parents gave children the impression at an early age that "some jobs are for boys and some are for girls" through the subjects they were encouraged to study and the choice of Christmas presents, such as buying Lego for boys.
Mr Cransberg spoke of the desire to see his three daughters get the same pay and opportunities at work as male counterparts.
"A State like WA can do better," he said. "We have launched this initiative to grow awareness of gender inequality and the ramifications of its existence, plus set an example for other heads of organisations who want to bring about change.
" If we are able to make our workplaces more equitable, then perhaps others will see that and want to do the same."
