MEDIA RELEASE   MF08/03

12 May 2008

 

Generation F - Attract Engage Retain

 

Generation F is one of the largest groups ever discussed in a report – working women, and those wishing to return to work, aged 16-65. The report - Attract, Engage and Retain – released last week by the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency highlights the competition for both the recruitment and retention of staff.  Marilyn Forsythe, President of BPW Australia, welcomed the release of the report that identified this group, hitherto overlooked, as an under used and untapped source of talent.

 

ÒWe know that women are ambitious, but they have numerous competing demands,Ó Ms Forsythe said. The report confirmed that women still carry the bulk of household and caring duties and suggests that change is required in work place culture if women are to be attracted and retained. ÒThey are claiming their right to true equality for both pay and promotion,Ó said Ms Forsythe.

 

Attract, Engage and Retain reflected two of the key findings from the ÒTalk About WorkÓ project conducted by Security4Women in 2006, namely that women need access to mentoring opportunities in the workplace and beyond and also that women need adequate paid family leave entitlements, quality affordable childcare, and flexible workplaces that cater for balance in work and family.

 

As BPW represents both employers and employees, Ms Forsythe commended the EOWA for its suggestions to employers on how to make their organisations more attractive: it served the dual purpose of also assisting women in identifying the sort of employer who could most easily accommodate their needs.

 

For more information contact

 

Marilyn Forsythe

BPWA President

 

 

About BPW

Business and Professional Women (BPW) is an international organisation that educates and informs women, undertaking research and projects aimed at improving the status of women. BPW lobbies governments at all levels including the United Nations where it holds Special Category Status on current and emerging issues of importance to women. www.bpw.com.au

 

 

 

Marilyn Forysthe                                 BPWA President                                 MOB: 0412 259 656