The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has partnered with Chief Executive Women (CEW) to re-launch its scholarship program for women leaders.
An emerging woman leader in retail will be offered a scholarship to study at the Harvard Business School in Boston, USA, with applications open now.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said the scholarship program is aimed to address inequality in the sector.
“Although 75% of discretionary spend is made by women, only 17% of our sector is led by female CEOs – this is something the ARA is determined to change,” Zahra said.
“Diversity Equality and Inclusion is an important focus for the ARA and women’s career progression is a vital pillar of that work.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for a woman who is working in the mid to senior level of the retail industry to take their leadership to the next level and set themselves up for future success.”
According to 2020-21 report by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, women make up 57% of the total workforce in retail trade. Of this, 49% were in management roles. It is the third largest female-dominted industry, behind education and healthcare.
Across all industries, including retail, women make up 22.3% of CEOs, 28.7% of head of business roles, 35.1% of key management personnel, and 38.4% of 'other executive' roles such as general managers.
CEW scholarships chair Deidre Willmott said women are under-represented in senior leadership roles in retail trade.
““We want to change this," Willmott said. “Together with ARA we have created this once-in-a-lifetime scholarship opportunity for a woman leader in the industry to accelerate their career, while advancing women’s leadership across the industry.
"I encourage all eligible women to grasp this opportunity and apply.”
Wesfarmers OneDigital finance GM Virginia Leaf was announced as last year’s winner at the inaugural ARA Gala No.1 at the Melbourne Town Hall.
Applications close June 18, 2023.