ANZ launches Notable Women program to increase female representation in business media networks

ANZ today launched a new initiative to drive stronger representation of its senior women in business press, social media and within broader business networks, as a response to a growing concern that representation of women in the business community is not improving.

The Notable Women program will see senior women from across ANZ receive specific coaching and support to better equip them to be more visible and more effectively engage with media, within business networks and at events.

ANZ CEO Mike Smith said: “There are many talented women in the business community who are experts in their field, leaders of businesses and who have significant contributions to make, however many are not being heard. Notable Women is part of our commitment to help our senior women build their confidence and skills to raise their profile and visibility.”

Elizabeth Broderick, Australia’s Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner said: “It is absolutely critical for women to be more visible both internally and externally. The absence of women’s voices and views, particularly in the business media and broader business community, is disappointing and alarming.”

Amanda Gome, ANZ Head of Digital and Social Media and Notable Women program creator said: “We need faster progress. Business media can't solve the issue of women’s representation on their own. We need a concerted effort from the wider business community, including women."

As part of the program’s launch, ANZ BlueNotes Managing Editor Andrew Cornell will host a debate this evening to explore who is more to blame for the lack of women in business media – men or women.

The debate will feature Founding Chair of the Women’s Leadership Institute Australia, Carol Schwartz, and Elizabeth Broderick arguing that men are more to blame. Senior columnist from the Australian Financial Review Mike Smith and ANZ’s Amanda Gome will make the case that women have to step forward. Details of the debate will be published on ANZ BlueNotes www.bluenotes.anz.com. 

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