Released 13/09/2011

Scholarship to help Canberra women into boardrooms

Canberra women keen to take their place in boardrooms are being urged to apply for a $5,000 ACT Government scholarship to help them on their way to the top, Minister for Women Joy Burch said today.

Ms Burch said applications for the 2011 ACT Women’s Director Scholarships Program were now being sought.

"The scholarships reflect the ACT Government’s commitment to achieving equal representation of women in senior decision-making roles," Ms Burch said.

"As women make up just over half the ACT population it is vital to encourage and support them to participate at all levels in the community, particularly in top level positions."

The $5000 scholarship recipient can use the money to study the Company Directors Course conducted by the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

"Subjects canvassed through the course include: the practice of directorship; director’s duties and responsibilities; fundamentals of financial statements; accessing company performance; strategic direction; the legal environment; and improving board effectiveness.

"These are all vital areas of knowledge required for operating at top levels in private enterprise and government."

Ms Burch said the scholarship program was underpinned by the key tenets of the ACT Women’s Plan which identifies priority areas to improve equity for women and girls in our city.

The scholarship supports this priority by developing the knowledge, skills and abilities of ACT women who aspire to be in decision-making roles.

Applications will be accepted until October 28. For more information and application packages contact the ACT Office for Women on 6205 0515, women@act.gov.au or visit www.women.act.gov.au

Media Contact: Victor Violante victor.violante@act.gov.au
Phone: 6205 0145
Mobile: 0421 846 201