An impressive number of inspiring Australians have been recognised for their contribution to improving gender equality on a new list of top influencers from around the world.
The inaugural list of ‘100 most influential people in gender equality policy’ by Apolitical, a global network of public servants, includes:
- Libby Lyons, Director Workplace Gender Equality Agency
- Kelly O’Dwyer, Federal Minister for Women
- Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister and chair of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership
- Professor Marian Baird, Sydney University’s distinguished researcher into women, work and care
- Susan Harris-Rimmer, an Australian Research Council Future Fellow in the Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy at the Australian National University
- Rosie Batty, domestic violence campaigner and 2015 Australian of the Year
- Tracey Spicer, journalist, advocate and founder of Now Australia
- Liz Broderick, former Sex Discrimination Commissioner and UN special rapporteur on the issue of discrimination against women in law and practice
- Natasha Stott-Despoja, chair of Our Watch and former ambassador for women and girls
Recognising the growing focus of governments worldwide on initiatives to boost women’s workforce participation and economic security, the list honours and celebrates women and men across the globe who are influencing gender equality outcomes through policymaking, research or advocacy.
Global momentum in gender equality policy-making in recent years has delivered a variety of new government schemes, including the mandatory gender pay gap reporting for large companies in the UK, Iceland’s pay equity certification program and Germany’s pay transparency legislation.
“The Agency is receiving unprecedented interest in Australia’s gender reporting scheme as governments worldwide grapple with the economic challenge of removing barriers to women’s workforce participation and career progression,” said Ms Lyons.
“It is wonderful to see the work of so many Australians acknowledged, as well as international gender equality luminaries such Malala Yousafzai and Justin Trudeau.
“That nine Australians made the top 100 list, with Professor Marion Baird and Julia Gillard in the top 20, demonstrates the leading role that the Australian government and Australian employers are taking in driving change towards gender equality.”
Robyn Scott, CEO of Apolitical says it is time to celebrate the people making our societies fairer and better to live in for everybody.
“Public servants routinely miss out on the recognition they deserve,” said Ms Scott. “This list honours the people doing the work to improve billions of lives.”
The list was curated from nominations from gender experts from leading global organisations.
Apolitical says the list aims to highlight what is working in gender policy, and through the work of those named, provide a snapshot and a road map for the future of gender policy.
You can download the full list from the Apolitical website.