The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to creating a more inclusive Tasmania that empowers and enables women and girls to fully participate in our economic, social, political and community life.
That is why we are continuing our $50,000 Board Diversity Governance Scholarships Program for 2018-19, a joint initiative of the Tasmanian Government and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), to support and mentor Tasmanian women who are emerging leaders to develop their governance skills and become board-ready.
With 58 scholarships awarded to Tasmanian women since 2015, the Scholarships Program is part of the Government’s Women on Boards Strategy to increase the representation of women on Government boards and committees to 50 per cent by 2020.
In its fourth year, the scholarships will be offered to seventeen Tasmanian women to undertake the Foundations of Directorship course along with a six month tailored program of events and activities provided by the AICD.
Supporting our Tasmanian Women’s Strategy 2018-2021, the Program this year is designed to include women who face the most barriers to professional development opportunities and leadership roles, including board and committee appointments.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women with disability and women from migrant and refugee backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. There will also be a focus on women working in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).
When we first came to Government, women held only 33.8 per cent of all board positions. As at 31 August 2018, the percentage of board positions held by women is at 42.6 per cent – a massive increase of over 26 per cent in the ratio of women board members, and an increase of nearly 9 percentage points in the number of board positions held by women since 2015.
These great results are a testament to our Women on Boards Strategy 2015-20, which ensures greater consideration is given to identify and recruit women with the relevant knowledge, skills and experience to fill board vacancies.
Tasmania is now a better place to live than ever before and the Hodgman Liberal Government will continue to develop policies and actions that increase participation, safety, health and wellbeing and gender equity for women and girls.
Applications close on Monday 15 October 2018, and the guidelines and details about how to apply for the Board Diversity Governance Scholarships are available by calling (03) 6242 2200 or emailing tas@aicd.com.au.
For more information about the Board Diversity Governance Scholarships, please contact Communities, Sport and Recreation on 1300 135 515.