ANZ takes a global stand on women in the workplace

23 November, 2012

ANZ takes a global stand on women in the workplace

There’s still plenty to do be done to support women’s rights in the workplace, according to Felicity Evans, General Manager of Human Resources.

She made the comments as ANZ today signed up to the United Nations' Women's Empowerment Principles in Wellington.

The Principles are designed to support companies in reviewing existing policies and practices — or establishing new ones — to promote women’s empowerment.

The membership signals ANZ’s renewed commitment to supporting women’s rights across its workforce of 48,000 people in 32 markets around the world.

“Businesses have come a long way in promoting equality in the workforce – but we can’t risk becoming complacent,” Mrs. Evans said.

“There’s still more that can be done. For example, women are still globally underrepresented in management roles. How we change this depends on the commitment of and collaboration between individual businesses.”

ANZ is New Zealand’s largest private employer, with more than 9,000 staff, 60 percent of whom are women. 45 percent of its people leaders and 67 percent of its Branch Managers are women.

“There’s a perception that having children can cost careers, but I firmly believe that’s not the case,” said Mrs. Evans.

“I have two children and I don’t shy away from saying I need to be there for them.

“We offer all of our staff flexible work arrangements to help them manage commitments outside of work whether that’s to raise children, study, engage in community work, military service or professional sport.”

ENDS

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