Former Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, revealed some telling insights into her political career today at the third Richmond in Business luncheon for 2014.
Ms Gillard discussed a number of challenges she faced in three years as Prime Minister, which are highlighted in more detail in her recently-released book, My Story.
Specifically, she explained the issue of gender equality in the workplace.
“I found the gender chapter the hardest to write,” she said.
“There’s something deep-seeded in the back of our brains that’s still whispering at us.
“We’re so used to seeing men leading, acting, commanding. There’s something that if we see a woman doing that, it whispers at us, she’s got to be pretty hard-boiled, doesn’t she?
“Until we break that…stereotype in our head, we’re not going to get to true equality and reception of women as leaders.”
Earlier in the luncheon, Richmond president Peggy O’Neal explained Richmond’s Gender Equity project, a three-year study which aims to investigate the imbalance of females in leadership positions in sport.
The first stage of the research, which has been conducted in partnership with Bluestone Edge, the AFL and the Australian Sports Commission, has been completed.
“It aims to identify how we can more effectively include highly qualified women in the boardrooms and executive teams of elite level sporting clubs across the country,” O’Neal said.
“At Richmond, we believe that because sport occupies an important place in the community, it’s imperative that sport addresses the gender imbalance.
“Creating a more diverse environment can only benefit the business of sport in the long run.
“Progress to date has been glacial, but we sincerely believe that this Club’s proactive approach can lead to significant change.
“We look forward to sharing the results of the project, and more importantly the changes we have implemented at the Club as a result of the study, over the next two years.”
The Richmond in Business program provides an environment for professionals to network, connect and engage.
The program is ideal for all business professionals looking to mix with other like-minded people, in a relaxed, professional, sporting atmosphere.
Find out more about Richmond in Business
