An emerging leader in the public sector will be recognised with an ANZSOG-sponsored prize at the Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards later this year.
The awards, now in their seventh year will be held in Sydney on 13 September, and aim to encourage emerging Australian women leaders, change-makers and agenda setters across a range of categories. Nominations are open, and ANZSOG urges colleagues, family members and friends of emerging women leaders to nominate them before the 24 July deadline.
ANZSOG Associate Dean Gill Callister, who will be on the judging panel for the awards, said the Emerging Female Leader in the Government and Public Sector award recognised the growing number of women making change in the public sector.
The award will be given to the emerging leader in the public sector who can best demonstrate growth and inclusivity in her field since the beginning of 2018.
“Female leadership in the public sector has never been more important,” Ms Callister said.
These awards provide recognition for women who are working to deliver change, in an environment that is still often shaped by gendered perceptions of what a leader is.
Women working in government departments, politics and local government are eligible, regardless of age, job title, experience or background.
While two-thirds of Australian public sector employees are female, women still make up a minority of senior staff and agency heads.
ANZSOG has co-funded a research team, headed by the University of New South Wales’ Dr Sue Williamson, investigating barriers to female representation in the public sector. The team has identified ways that middle managers can take concrete steps towards increasing gender equity in their organisations.
Last year’s winner, Billie-Jo Barbara, HR Director in NSW Department of Planning and Environment, was praised by judges for transforming teams and systems within her department, and contributing to an innovative and progressive agency within the public services.
Other categories to be awarded this year include:
Emerging female entrepreneur of the year
Emerging female leader in professional services
Emerging female leader in the not-for-profit sector
Emerging female leader in tech
Emerging female leader in sport
Emerging female leader in science, medicine and health
Emerging female leader in corporate
Emerging female changemaker of the year
2019 agenda setter of the year
Nominations close 24 July. If you wish to nominate yourself, or someone you know for an award, please enter at the Women’s Leadership Awards website.