What women need to change to achieve gender equality

I live in a world where as a woman I am given many opportunities, possibly more so than a man in my position. I am called upon often and asked my opinion or about my experiences so that everything from a company's gender policy through to important boardroom discussions can be made.

I notice companies on the ASX and NASDAQ that really lack representation from women, or in some cases, they may have a token. Others that take gender equality and ultimately success more seriously, may actually have women that deserve and at times, own the table they sit at. There is such a variance from one company to another, that there is no norm. They may say that the change is coming and even in some Government be forcing the fact, but it's the smaller caps and mid-tier companies that pave the way for lack of representation of women, yet are the one's that often use "women" as their number one marketing tool.

I now look at Boards that we work with and I take notice of what type of representation they have of women on their Boards and the quality of the women that have taken the seat. One chairman a few years back said to me that if there are two women on a Board, it is less likely they would allow for another. I hope he is wrong. I hope women aren't stopping other women from getting to the top - but I know that that is just a "hope". There is a reality that I see only too often and that is women putting other women down, and the women that rise are competitive and hungry. They want the spotlight and if there is more than one woman there, the spotlight shines a little less brightly on them. Their egos get in the way, and all of a sudden, there is every reason why a woman should not be there.

I have spent many years pushing women forward, supporting their initiatives, liking what they do even if I don't know too much about it, and giving them every reason to reach the goals that they set out to achieve.

In my own workplace, the world is their oyster. In fact, every single person who works for me, has the opportunity and support to be anything they want to be.

As I move forward, I know that it's time to put a board in place. I am almost at a point where I would have only women representing the board, just to see how it flies, but then I realize that that would sacrifice perhaps a deserving male - and that is wrong. That message is wrong. That is telling young boys that even if they are good enough, they won't be sitting at the table because they are a man.

So, where do we draw a line in the sand? Do we say 50 per cent men and women, or do we make it the best person for the job? Do we penalise those who deliberately orchestrate all men boards no matter what size public company they are, and force them to look broader as they are in fact using public money, or do we just throw our hands up in the air and see what happens? No-one really knows that answer, but to change, I think a few things need to happen:

• No self promotion; stead lead by example and show the world what you can do. Let what you can do speak for itself.
• Don't invest in companies with all men boards. It means their is a gap in their ability to make decisions, and encourage your husbands, brothers and male colleagues to do the same.
• Salaries are negotiable. No man with the same qualifications, skills and capabilities should be paid more than a woman that is absolutely their equal. However, if there is some skill or qualification or experience a male has that means they are able to negotiate better - don't crucify them for it.
• Keep pushing other women up and help women believe in themselves. 
• Never put another woman down; socially or professionally. Learn to appreciate that every person is different and just because you don't have the same chemistry with one person over another, doesn't mean they are less or should be treated differently.
• Show respect regardless.

I hope to play my part in pushing women forward and at the same time encouraging our male counterparts to keep forging ahead with their career ambitions too. 

It's a big world out there, and change is happening whether we like it or not. Let's play our role.