EXCLUSIVE: Recent coverage about the lack of gender equality in the marcomms industry has led to the formation of a body representing women in senior management positions.
The group is called Senior Women in Media and Marketing (SWIMM), with a mission statement that boldly states: “To connect and
inspire women”.
SWIMM has been founded by Host managing director Suzie Shaw and PHD media director Tara Rayner.
The group has already attracted over 60 members from agencies, advertisers and media owners. Shaw and Rayner are currently in the process of appointing a high-profile figure to act as chair.
SWIMM intends to tie-up with established industry bodies such as The Communications Council once the group’s structure is finalised. The organisation is likely to be funded through a combination of membership (corporate and personal), sponsorship and revenue from events.
The founders said: “The move follows extensive commentary in the press recently about the underrepresentation of women in senior roles in business.”
The dearth of women in senior roles has been framed around what AdNews dubbed the “Gender Debate”. The issue was ignited when AdNews unveiled its annual Power 50, which featured just three women.
Following feedback from readers, AdNews called for greater representation for women, and a body similar to WACL.
AdNews also carried out a survey of ASX-listed media companies, which found that only 11% of seats around the boardroom table are occupied by women, below the average for the top 200 ASX-listed companies.
Shaw said: “The UK has fantastic groups like WACL (Women in Advertising and Communication in London) and I definitely gained a lot from them when I was over there. It was fun, rewarding, and an invaluable support network - I really think it’s time there was something similar in Australia."
“Also it’s important to make clear that this is not necessarily about fighting for women’s rights; I personally don’t feel I’ve ever been discriminated against or held back because of my gender, and my employer, Host, is extremely supportive of women in senior roles.”
Rayner added: “SWIMM’s core purpose is to connect like-minded senior women and inspire them to be catalysts for change and do brilliant work in their chosen discipline. It is a network that fosters collaboration and provides an access point to other successful leaders in all industries.”
SWIMM will host events including social engagements, speakers, training events, workshops and member views events.
Initially, the group will be focused on Sydney, however, SWIMM may extend to other metro cities once Sydney has been firmly established.
This article originally appeared in the October 7 edition of AdNews. Click here to subscribe.
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