Glass ceiling non-existent at Villa Maria |
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Villa Maria is thrilled to announce its new status as a 2011 Employer of Choice for Women (EOCFW). The not-for-profit aged, disability and education services provider was awarded the prestigious acknowledgement yesterday by the Australian Government’s Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA).
It was the first time Villa Maria had applied for the citation, which awards non-government organisations with policies and practices in place supporting women to achieve positive outcomes for themselves and their workplaces.
Villa Maria People Services General Manager Helen McPhee said as a predominately female organisation (approx 83 per cent) Villa Maria was “truly delighted” to have gained the EOCFW national recognition.
“Whether they arenurses, personal carers, occupational therapists, disability support workers, educationalists or business administration staff, we realise that one of the best ways to attract, recruit and retain skilled women in a highly competitive market is to be recognised as being an employer of choice. We’ve worked hard for many years to ensure each of our staff members, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities within the organisation and support to achieve their career goals,” Ms McPhee said.
“At Villa Maria we also understand that a woman’s most important role is often that of being a wife, mother, grandparent, sister or friend. We’re proud of the innovative and flexible strategies in place which have enabled female staff to balance their work and family commitments.”
Some of Villa Maria’s equitable strategies and programs include:
Villa Maria Chief Executive Officer Valerie Lyons said she was “extremely proud” to be one of just 98 organisations to receive the title, which complimented Villa Maria’s status as a Fair and Flexible Employer by the Victorian Government for the past two consecutive years.
Ms Lyons said Villa Maria “walked the talk” as a gender equitable workplace, with nine out of 13 members of its Executive Leadership Management Team being female.
“Villa Maria has long been passionate about creating an equitable, supportive and innovative workplace for all of our 950 staff. However I am particularly excited that we are now formally known as a place of work in which women can confidently climb the career ladder knowing they are fully supported,” Ms Lyons said.
“I would like to make special mention of our dedicated People Services team, particularly HR Senior Consultant Tina Dimitriadis, who has worked extremely hard to ensure we were successful as a 2011 Employer of Choice for Women.”
EOWA Acting Director Mairi Steele congratulated Villa Maria on its citation, which represented not only social justice in the workplace but “smart business management”.
“With next week’s 100 year anniversary of International Women’s Day, we were hoping to see the number of EOCFW organisations reach 100 so this is a solemn reminder that there is still some way to go before we have gender equality at work,” Ms Steele said.
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