In a bid to help women across the country realise their full potential, some leading Australian businesswomen came together to deliver powerful messages about challenging expectations and stereotypes in the workplace at a
JLT-led event.
The inaugural ‘Women at JLT,’ attended by over 120 women insurers and brokers, urged females to “charge the wall” to achieve gender equality and diversity in the workplace.
It featured a panel consisting of Josephine Sukkar, co-founder, principal & chair of Buildcorp; Elizabeth Ann MacGregor OBE, director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia; and Lynne Anderson, CEO of the Australian Paralympic Committee. The discussion, meanwhile, was led by Tricia Hobson, global vice chair of Norton Rose Fulbright.
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“Our first event was an opportunity for female colleagues to engage with clients, connect with peers, and listen to the inspiring stories of some of Australia’s most successful women,” said Carlie Griggs, JLT divisional manager, specialty, adding that she looks forward to expanding the initiative across Australia.
Speaking about the challenges faced by women in the workplace, Sukkar said: “For those first through the wall, there may be blood but don’t focus on the blood, focus on the hole in the wall.” The quote was referenced from Aaron Sorkin’s movie Moneyball, which was inspired by former Queensland premier Anna Bligh.
“Women in this generation… it’s leaving work early, going part-time… we’re the first ones through the wall. We’re making the hole bigger for the next generation of women, our kids, and grandchildren,” Sukkar added.
“Things have changed… but the stereotypes are still there. There’s still a lot we have to do to challenge expectations and stereotypes.”
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Australian insurance sector suffers huge gender pay gap: Study
Insurance still on gender diversity journey
