Emma Low, Managing Director of Westpac Pacific, emphasized the benefits organizations gain when women are provided with equal opportunities to lead, contribute, and develop. Her remarks were made during a recent trip to Fiji where she discussed mentorship’s significance with the Women of Westpac (WOW) Fiji group. This initiative aims to empower women within the Westpac Group to reach their full potential.
According to Ms. Low, empowering women in the workplace goes beyond fairness; it is crucial for fostering innovation and achieving organizational success. She pointed out that when women are given equal chances, organizations benefit from the diverse perspectives and ideas that are vital for effective problem-solving and creativity. Notably, women make up over 60% of Westpac’s workforce, with 40% in leadership roles.
Westpac takes pride in being a signatory of the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (WE-Fi) Code, launched last month, which aims to enhance financial inclusion and support female business owners. This aligns with the bank’s ongoing commitment to education and diversity in the community.
Westpac’s dedication to promoting gender equality is further demonstrated by its Women and Girls Education Grant program, active for the past 13 years. The bank’s financial literacy program has trained more than 39,000 women over the last decade, and they also conduct an annual International Women’s Day walk across various locations in the country.