Dear Member,
Today is International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
While we have achieved so much, when we look around, we know that there’s much more to do.
COVID19 has had a disproportionate impact on working women. Across our sector it was mostly women who had to who put themselves at risk as you worked on the frontline serving customers in financial distress, and in doing so you carried the additional burden.
It was women working from home, who picked up more of the unpaid caring responsibilities and it was women who lost more jobs and had greater cuts to hours of work.
Overt the last few weeks, the issues of sexual harassment in workplaces has dominated the media. We know that this is a major issue, and the finance sector is no exception.
A recent report by Sex Discrimination Commissioner, titled Respect@Work has highlighted a way forward in legislative changes including reforms to Workplace Health and Safety laws to make sure that women are safe at work.
On this IWD, we call on the Federal Government to implement these recommendations.
Even though we face these challenges, on IWD, we should stop and reflect the achievements we had made so far and the many great women who went before us.
Together we can continue to #chosetochallenge gender inequality and inequity across our workplaces. There is urgency for change, and there is momentum for reform.
If you want to get more involved with our upcoming FSU Women’s Network please register your interest here.
In Unity,
Julia Angrisano
FSU National Secretary