Scholarships to assist women in the Boardroom

Canberra women are being encouraged to apply for two ACT Government scholarships aimed at improving their boardroom skills.

ACT Minister for Women Joy Burch said applications for the 2010 ACT Women's Director Scholarships Program would be accepted until 8 October 2010. Each scholarship is worth approximately $5,000.

"Now in their sixth year, 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 of the ACT population it is appropriate that they are encouraged and supported to participate at all levels in the community, particularly in top level positions."
The scholarship recipients will study the ‘Company Directors Course' conducted by the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Subjects studied include: the practice of directorship; directors duties and responsibilities; fundamentals of financial statements; accessing company performance; strategic direction; the legal environment; and improving board effectiveness.

Ms Burch said the ACT Women's Plan identifies key priority areas to improve equity for women and girls in our society. The scholarships support this priority by developing the knowledge, skills and abilities of ACT women who aspire to be decision-making roles."

More information and application packages are available from the ACT Office for Women by phoning 6205 0515, logging onto http://www.women.act.gov.au/ or emailing women@act.gov.au

Media Contact: Victor Violante victor.violante@act.gov.au
Phone: (02) 6205 0145
Mobile: 0421 846 201