Emma Low, Managing Director of Westpac Pacific, emphasized the advantages organizations gain when women are afforded equal opportunities to lead and develop. She shared her insights during a recent trip to Fiji.
While in Fiji, Ms. Low highlighted the importance of mentorship with the Women of Westpac (WOW) Fiji group. This initiative is part of a broader employee action group within the Westpac Group aimed at empowering women to achieve their fullest potential.
“Empowering women in the workplace transcends fairness; it is vital for innovation and success,” she stated. She noted that organizations thrive on diverse perspectives and ideas, which are essential for creativity and solving challenges.
Ms. Low pointed out that more than 60% of Westpac’s workforce is female, with 40% in leadership positions. Additionally, Westpac is proud to have recently signed the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (WE-Fi) Code, intended to enhance financial inclusion and empower women business owners, complementing Westpac’s ongoing commitment to education and diversity in the community.
Westpac’s dedication to promoting gender equality is reflected in its Women and Girls Education Grant program, established over 13 years ago. Through its financial literacy initiatives, the bank has successfully trained over 39,000 women in the last decade. Furthermore, Westpac hosts an annual International Women’s Day walk at various locations nationwide.