More than 600 public sector employees tuned in online and in-person to hear from two inspiring women in this week’s International Women’s Day celebrations.
Co-hosted by the Public Sector Commission and the Institute of Public Administration Australia, the event featured Honorary Professor, School of Education at Edith Cowan University, Colleen Hayward and Director General of the Department of Finance, Jodi Cant (pictured).
The two women spoke about their experiences in overcoming adversity and bias to become outstanding leaders in their respective fields.
Ms Cant and Professor Hayward spoke about growing up and what it had taken them to achieve their ultimate success, including what could be done to challenge the status quo and improve gender equality.
They explained that in order to thrive professionally, they found it important to have self-belief and confidence in their own abilities.
They said that having a sense of humour and a trusted and supportive environment was also critical, as well as a willingness to take risks, which empowered others to do the same.
Having the courage to speak up when something was not right was also discussed, acknowledging that a supportive network was crucial to having the confidence.
Ms Cant and Professor Hayward acknowledged that changing culture was a step-by-step process, and that progress could be achieved by being consistent, fair and timely.
The event was opened by Public Sector Commissioner, Sharyn O’Neill who told attendees of the importance of challenging any wrongdoing and the need to do more to increase the representation of women in the Senior Executive Service.
An hour-long video of the event, with sound, can be accessed at this PS News link.
