More and more employers are now realising that they cannot afford to lose out on women’s talent. Equal opportunity is about enabling every employee to fully contribute, and in the era of globalisation, it is critical that Australian companies use and develop women’s talents and potential to the fullest.

However, it is not enough to have EO policies and practices in place. Organisations need effective leadership and action, and they need the CEO and senior management to demonstrate genuine commitment to re-aligning the workplace culture and improving working relationships.

Strategic interventions developed by organisations over the past 15 years provide the best way for women to move out of entry level roles and into the heart of the business. These include networking, career tracking, mentoring and succession planning that pay particular attention to the situation of women.

Objective and unbiased HR policies and procedures are vital in attracting, developing and retaining a skilled female workforce. With a skills shortage expected in the next 10 years as a result of the ageing workforce and global competition such strategies are necessary to ensure organisations are tapping into all of their talent and achieving maximum business results.