Elizabeth Broderick, human rights activist and Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner, has been named as the Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards 2014 overall winner.
As part of the annual Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards, Ms Broderick was recognised for her leadership in the field of sex discrimination as well as her significant contribution to the social and economic advancement of women. In her role as Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Ms Broderick has been an influential voice for many important initiatives and policies, including the Commission’s Review into the Treatment of Women in the Australian Defence Force and the Male Champions of change strategy.
“I am so proud to have been named the overall winner for the 2014 Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards. Gender equality is not a battle of the sexes – it is about one half of humanity supporting the other. As women, we must have a strong belief in ourselves, that gender equality is our birth right and that it is as vital for women to be powerful and influential as it is for men,” said Ms Broderick.
The 100 Women of Influence Awards also recognised ten other esteemed women across the categories of Board/Management, Public Policy, Young Leader, Social Enterprise and Not-for-profit, Philanthropy, Global Influence, Innovation, Local/Regional Community, Diversity and Business Enterprise.
Westpac Group Chief Executive Officer Gail Kelly said: “I congratulate Elizabeth Broderick on being named the overall winner of the 2014 The Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards. Elizabeth has dedicated a significant portion of her professional career to the advancement of women in Australia and internationally.
“Elizabeth’s excellent work as Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner has been far-reaching, ranging from preventing violence against women to improving lifetime economic security. Her dedication to ensuring women have access to more flexible balanced paid work and unpaid caring is something I particularly commend, as I believe this will make a tangible difference to the economic prosperity of Australia.”
“With each year, these awards continue to build a prestigious alumni – we are now up to 300 inspirational women. I congratulate each of the category winners announced tonight, as well as the 100 women selected earlier this month – each and every one has made significant strides to better their communities. Of course these are just some of the wonderful Australian women who are contributing day in and day out to our society. I hope that by sharing their stories, we can create positive role models for the next generation of Australian leaders and encourage other women around the country to make a difference.”
Fairfax Media Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Greg Hywood said, “Elizabeth Broderick is a deserving winner to say the least. She is a shining example of how sharing the positive stories of women in our society can have a powerful impact in helping individuals and companies in Australia to think and act in more progressive ways. Addressing gender inequity is not only right but makes good business sense and makes sense for our future prosperity. “I hope that Elizabeth Broderick being named the 2014 Woman of Influence will help make her a household name, and that her endeavours will be a common topic of conversation everywhere.”
The Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards is now in its third year and showcases the country’s highest achieving women.
2014 AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL REVIEW AND WESTPAC WOMEN OF INFLUENCE AWARDS CATEGORY WINNERS
Overall Winner and Diversity Winner: Elizabeth Broderick, Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Human Rights Commission
Board/Management: Anne-Marie Corboy, CEO, HESTA Super Fund
Business Enterprise: Dr Alex Birrell, CEO, Paftec
Global: Professor Ann Henderson-Sellers, Professor Emerita, Macquarie University
Innovation: Professor Rebecca Ivers, Director, Injury Division, The George Institute for Global Health
Local/ Regional: Linda O’Brien, Principal, Granville Boys’ High School, NSW Department of Education
Philanthropy: Janette Savage, Regional Coordinator/ Funding Chairperson, Cancer Care Western NSW Inc
Public Policy: Professor Jane Halton, Secretary, Department of Finance, Australian Government
Social Enterprise/ Not-for-Profit: Jo Cavanagh, CEO, Family Life
Young Leader: Genevieve Clay-Smith, Co-founder, Bus Stop Films & Taste Creative
