Business in Heels is an organisation led by CEO Lisa Sweeney that provides mentoring, education, connection and marketing services for women in business.

The Gender Equity Awards acknowledge organisations and individual advocates that encourage gender balance, diversity and inclusion. Amplifying their examples helps offer others a roadmap and incentive to succeed.

The awards highlight certain sectors with high gender pay gaps (22-24 per cent) to showcase businesses raising equity standards.

Nominations

Nominations for 2023 are now open for the following categories:

Organisation

• First Nations Business
• SME (employing <100)
• General Business Medium (employing 100 – 499)
• Large General Business (employing 500-1500)
• Enterprise Business (employing 1500+)

Individual

• Employee
• Diversity & Inclusion Manager
• Manager
• Senior Manager
• CEO – Board

Companies can self-nominate through most appropriate category to enter. Individuals must be nominated by someone else.

Judging

Award assessment is based on Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) standards and how nominees are going above and beyond to reach them.

For organisations, finalists are selected based on a survey that forms the basis of the submission. Once a shortlist is selected, finalists will need to provide another submission showcasing their equity highlights.

Individual finalists will be advised of their nomination and asked to detail their achievements and how they encourage gender equity.

The awards are independently judged by experienced corporate and business professionals. The Panel is not allowed to judge a category in which their organisation operates.

The Victorian Chamber’s Chief of Staff Chanelle Pearson will be one of prestigious judges.

“I am delighted to be a judge in the Gender Equity Awards which amplify the fabulous initiatives from Victorian businesses to achieve tangible outcomes on gender equity in the workplace,” she said.

“True equity means everyone feels empowered, and Business in Heels is bringing about positive solutions to gender balance, diversity and inclusion.

“The Victorian Chamber is equally proud of our efforts in this space, particularly our Chamber Change program which is having a real impact in the Victorian business community.”

Awards

Entries for the Gender Equity Awards are open until 1 September, with finalists announced on 3 October. The awards night will be held on 15 November at Crown Melbourne.

Ms Sweeney said: “The Gender Equity Awards 2023 aims to acknowledge companies and individuals who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to fostering gender balance and inclusivity within their organizations and communities.

“By showcasing exemplary initiatives and innovative strategies, the awards seek to inspire and motivate others to join the journey towards a more equitable future.”

Nominations can be made via the Gender Equity Awards website.