THE State Government has met its target for having an equal number of women appointed to boards and committees – a significant milestone in achieving equality for South Australian women.
Latest figures show exactly 50pc of State Government board positions are now held by women, with 998 women and 998 men.
South Australia was the first jurisdiction to set a target of this type and joins Victoria in achieving equal representation.
The state’s peak sporting bodies will strive for gender equality with the top 10 most popular codes signing up to the 40-40-20 target.
The initiative requires peak bodies to have at least 40pc women on their boards or lose 10pc of their State Government funding each year from 2020.
Premier Jay Weatherill said improving the standing of women recognised their contribution.
“Government boards should be representative of the South Australian population,” he said.
“Women should be equal participants in board activities as a matter of equity and to address the historical exclusion of women from positions of power.”
Status of Women Minister Zoe Bettison said it made strong economic sense to increase the participation of women in places of influence.
“Diversity on boards allows for diversity of thinking,” Ms Bettison said.
“We are committed to changing the face of leadership by working to achieve equal representation of men and women.”
