Opinion: Women can lead the way

By Heidi Cooper

Queensland women are a powerful force in our economy.

They are leading teams, developing new skills, building careers and launching businesses of their own.

They bring the skills, experience and ambition businesses need to grow, compete and respond to a changing economy.

As our state continues to grow its position on the global stage, making sure women can participate and contribute to their full potential is an economic necessity.

But for many women in Queensland there are still systemic challenges which continue to limit their economic potential and retirement security.

Pay inequity, gender disparity in higher-paying industries and limited career opportunities remain challenges.

Workplace culture, access to flexibility and caring responsibilities can still have a disproportionate impact on women’s careers and, ultimately, their long-term financial security.

The reality is that many of these barriers are not new, and we should be further along in addressing them. But there is also a significant opportunity in front of us.

Women-led entrepreneurship is growing, technology is transforming how and where we work, and businesses that invest in women’s advancement can strengthen their ability to attract and retain talent, innovate and perform.

Our inaugural Future of Women in Business Report, delivered in partnership with Australian Retirement Trust, looks at where we are and what comes next, examining the pathways and barriers affecting women in business and the changes that can enable more women to be able to participate, progress and prosper.

As technology develops, skills demands change and businesses look for new ways to lift productivity and capability, Queensland has an opportunity to rethink how we make the best use of the talent already available.

That will require a commitment from everyone – business, government and the community.

At Business Chamber Queensland, we know the importance of building the capability, competitiveness and resilience Queensland will need for the future.

Supporting women to thrive in business is an important part of that. Women are already making an enormous contribution to Queensland’s economy.

The more barriers we remove to participation, progression and enterprise, the stronger and more productive Queensland will be.