Women At Work

​On May 1st, 2023, Qantas Airways announced the appointment of Vanessa Hudson as the new CEO, making her the first woman to lead the airline in its 102-year history. Hudson, who is currently the Chief Financial Officer at Qantas, will take over the top job in November. This appointment is a significant milestone for both Qantas and the aviation industry, as it represents a step towards greater gender diversity in executive leadership.Hudson's appointment is a strong statement of Qantas' commitment to promoting gender diversity in leadership positions. According to Qantas, the company aims to have at least 40% of its senior management positions filled by women by 2025. Hudson's appointment as CEO is a significant step in achieving this goal and demonstrates Qantas' recognition of the value of diversity in driving innovation, growth, and success.Hudson's appointment also sends a powerful message to women in the aviation industry, especially those in leadership roles. It shows that women can break through the glass ceiling in male-dominated industries, and that their contributions and capabilities are highly valued. Hudson's experience and track record in the airline industry have been key factors in her appointment to the top job at Qantas, proving that women can excel in roles traditionally dominated by men.​The lack of women in leadership positions in the aviation industry is a longstanding issue that has been highlighted by various studies and reports. In 2021, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that women accounted for only 5% of CEO positions in the aviation industry. The same report also revealed that women represented only 22% of senior management roles in the industry.The underrepresentation of women in the aviation industry is not unique to this sector. Women are underrepresented in leadership positions in various industries worldwide. This is partly due to institutional and societal barriers that prevent women from advancing their careers to the top. These barriers include gender bias, lack of mentorship and sponsorship, and work-life balance issues.In conclusion, Hudson's appointment as the CEO of Qantas is a significant milestone for the aviation industry, and it represents a step towards greater gender diversity in executive leadership. It sends a powerful message to women in the industry that they can break through the glass ceiling and excel in leadership roles. However, there is still a long way to go in promoting gender diversity in leadership positions, not just in the aviation industry, but across all industries. It is important to continue advocating for gender equality, providing mentorship and sponsorship opportunities, and promoting flexible work arrangements to enable women to advance their careers to the top. 

​Women have been steadily making strides in the tech industry, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. In this blog, we celebrate five remarkable Asian and global women who are making waves in the field of technology. These women are leading change, pushing boundaries, and shattering stereotypes. From transforming healthcare to advancing artificial intelligence, they are true tech titans.​Michelle SunMichelle is the founder and CEO of First Code Academy, a tech education company that focuses on teaching coding and computational thinking to young children and teenagers in Hong Kong, China, and Singapore. She has been recognized as one of Forbes' 30 Under 30 in Asia and was also named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.​ Fei-Fei LiFei-Fei is a computer science professor at Stanford University and the co-director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. She has been a leading voice in the development of artificial intelligence and has advocated for the responsible and ethical use of AI technology. She was also named one of TIME's 100 most influential people in the world in 2018.​Yoshiko TsuwakiYoshiko is the founder and CEO of Unite Project, a Japanese startup that is developing technology to improve the lives of people with disabilities. She is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry and has been recognized as one of Forbes' 30 Under 30 in Asia. ​Jean LiuJean is the president of Didi Chuxing, the world's largest ride-hailing company. She has been instrumental in the company's growth and expansion and has helped to shape the future of transportation in China and beyond. She was also named one of Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Business in 2020.​Dr. Rana el KalioubyRana is the CEO of Affectiva, an AI company that is developing emotion recognition technology. She has been a pioneer in the field of emotional intelligence and has advocated for the ethical use of AI technology. She was also named one of Fortune's 40 Under 40 in 2018.These five women are just a few examples of the many remarkable women who are leading change in the tech industry. By breaking barriers, promoting diversity and inclusion, and inspiring the next generation, they are shaping the future of tech and creating a more equitable and inclusive industry for everyone.​

​In Asia, creating an inclusive workplace where all employees feel welcomed and valued is crucial. This includes employees with disabilities, who often face unique challenges in the workplace. By designing workspaces and policies that are accessible, we can create a more inclusive and accommodating environment for all employees.Designing Accessible Workspaces. Accessibility features such as ramps, elevators, and wider doorways are important, but can be challenging to implement in older buildings. Employers may consider relocating to new, purpose-built facilities that are designed with accessibility in mind.It is also important to provide adjustable height workstations, ergonomic chairs, and footrests to accommodate employees with mobility impairments or chronic pain. In Asia, where many people work long hours, these accommodations can help prevent or reduce work-related injuries.​Ensuring Digital AccessibilityIn Asia, where many people rely on mobile devices for work, it is essential to design accessible websites and software that are mobile-friendly. Text-to-speech software and screen readers are also important to ensure that visually impaired employees can navigate and understand information.In some countries in Asia, such as Japan, the population is aging rapidly, and more people are experiencing age-related disabilities. Employers can help by ensuring their digital platforms are designed to accommodate older employees who may have different needs when accessing digital content.​Implementing Inclusive PoliciesIn Asia, where cultural attitudes towards disability can vary widely, employers can take steps to ensure their policies are inclusive of employees with disabilities. Policies that allow for flexible work hours or telecommuting can be beneficial for employees with disabilities who may have medical appointments or require accommodations to work from home.Additionally, providing accommodations for disabled employees during the hiring process, such as sign language interpreters, can help ensure equal access to job opportunities. In some countries in Asia, such as India, there are legal requirements for companies to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities, so employers should familiarize themselves with local laws and regulations. Raising AwarenessRaising awareness about the importance of accessibility and disability inclusion can help create a more inclusive workplace in Asia. Conducting disability awareness training for all employees can help to break down barriers and encourage a more accepting and welcoming environment. In some countries in Asia, there are disability-related awareness events, such as the National Disability Rights Awareness Day in India, that employers can participate in to raise awareness among their employees and the broader community.In conclusion, designing workspaces and policies that are accessible to employees with disabilities is critical to creating a more inclusive workplace in Asia. By ensuring physical accessibility, digital accessibility, and implementing inclusive policies, we can ensure that employees with disabilities are accommodated and valued in our workforce. With awareness and effort, we can create a more accessible and inclusive work environment for everyone in Asia. 

Have you ever wondered what sets successful women apart from the rest of the crowd? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are a few common habits that many successful women share. In this blog, we'll explore five habits of highly successful women in business and how you can adopt them to reach your own professional goals.Setting Clear Goals and PrioritiesSuccessful women in business know exactly what they want to achieve and have a clear roadmap to get there. They set SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) goals that align with their personal and professional priorities. By focusing their time and energy on what truly matters, they can make steady progress towards their goals.Staying Organized and ProductiveTo accomplish their goals efficiently and effectively, successful women in business know how to manage their time, tasks, and projects. They use productivity tools such as to-do lists, calendars, and project management software to stay organized and on track. They also delegate tasks and responsibilities when appropriate, which frees up their time and energy for higher-level tasks.​Constant Learning and DevelopmentSuccessful women in business are lifelong learners who never stop seeking knowledge and skills. They invest in their own professional development by attending conferences, taking courses, reading books, and seeking mentorship. They stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments, which allows them to stay ahead of the competition.Building Strong Relationships and NetworksSuccess in business is not achieved alone. Successful women know the value of building strong relationships and networks. They invest time and effort in building and maintaining relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry peers. They also mentor and support other women in their field, which creates a positive ripple effect in their industry.Balancing Work and LifeLast but not least, successful women in business know how to maintain a healthy work-life balance. They prioritize self-care, exercise, and time with family and friends, which helps them avoid burnout and stay energized. By taking care of themselves, they can bring their best selves to their work and achieve their goals more effectively.In conclusion, success in business is not about luck or talent alone. It's about adopting certain habits that set you up for success. By adopting these five habits of highly successful women in business, you can create a roadmap to reach your own professional goals and thrive in your career. ​

​As the world continues to change, we are seeing more and more women stepping into leadership roles and becoming influential figures in the business world. These women are paving the way for future generations of female leaders and entrepreneurs, and they are definitely worth keeping an eye on. Here are just a few of the female business influencers to look out for in 2023. ​1.     Arianna Huffington Arianna Huffington is the founder and CEO of Thrive Global, a company that aims to help people improve their well-being and productivity. She is also the author of several best-selling books, including "Thrive" and "The Sleep Revolution." Huffington is known for her focus on wellness and work-life balance, and her insights are particularly relevant as we continue to navigate the challenges of remote work. ​2.     Bozoma Saint John Bozoma Saint John is a marketing executive who has held leadership positions at companies like Apple, Uber, and PepsiCo. She is known for her bold and innovative approach to marketing, and her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. In 2023, Saint John will be leading marketing efforts at Netflix, so it will be interesting to see what she brings to the table.​3.     Reshma Saujani Reshma Saujani is the founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, a nonprofit organization that aims to close the gender gap in tech by teaching girls how to code. She is also the author of "Brave, Not Perfect," a book that encourages women to embrace imperfection and take risks. Saujani is an advocate for women in tech and a powerful voice for diversity and inclusion. ​4.     Mellody Hobson Mellody Hobson is the co-CEO and president of Ariel Investments, a Chicago-based investment management firm. She is also a board member at companies like Starbucks and JPMorgan Chase, and has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in corporate America. In 2023, Hobson will take on the role of chairman of the board at Starbucks, so she will undoubtedly continue to make an impact in the business world. ​5.     Anne Wojcicki Anne Wojcicki is the co-founder and CEO of 23andMe, a company that provides personalized DNA testing and analysis. She is a pioneer in the field of consumer genetics, and her company has made it possible for people to learn more about their ancestry and health risks. Wojcicki is a strong advocate for empowering individuals to take control of their own health, and her leadership will continue to shape the future of healthcare.These are just a few of the many female business influencers to look out for in 2023. By following their careers and learning from their insights, we can all become more empowered and effective leaders in our own right. 

​As of 2023, the representation of women in directorship positions in Asia remains relatively low. According to a report by the Diversity Action Committee (DAC) in Singapore, women held only 13.3% of board seats in Singapore's top 100 listed companies as of 2021. In Malaysia, the percentage of women on boards stood at 26.2% as of 2020, according to a report by the Malaysian Alliance of Corporate Directors. In Japan, women held only 17.1% of board seats in listed companies as of 2020, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.Despite these numbers, there have been some positive developments in recent years. In Singapore, the DAC introduced the Code of Governance for Diversity and Inclusion in 2019, which calls for greater diversity on corporate boards. In Malaysia, the Securities Commission Malaysia introduced a target of 30% women on boards by 2020, which was achieved by 2021. In Japan, the government introduced a target of 30% women on boards by 2020, and while this target was not achieved, the percentage of women on boards has been steadily increasing in recent years. There are several benefits to increasing the representation of women in directorship positions. Research has shown that companies with more diverse boards tend to perform better financially. A study by McKinsey & Company found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability than companies in the bottom quartile.Moreover, having more women in leadership positions can also lead to greater gender diversity throughout the organization. Women in leadership can serve as role models and mentors for other women, and can help to create a more inclusive workplace culture.To increase the representation of women in directorship positions in Asia, there are several strategies that companies can adopt. One is to set targets for gender diversity on boards, as Malaysia and Japan have done. Companies can also consider implementing policies such as flexible working arrangements and parental leave, which can help to attract and retain female talent.Another strategy is to actively seek out qualified women for directorship positions. This can involve expanding the search beyond traditional networks and using tools such as blind recruitment to eliminate bias.In conclusion, while the representation of women in directorship positions in Asia remains relatively low, there have been positive developments in recent years. Increasing gender diversity on boards can have significant benefits for companies, and there are several strategies that companies can adopt to achieve this goal. By taking action to increase the representation of women in leadership, companies can create more inclusive and successful organizations. 

​Despite the challenges, there are still reasons to be optimistic about the progress that women are making in the workplace. In this article, we will explore five reasons why things are looking up for women in the workplace. From increased access to education and training to the growing number of women in leadership positions, these developments are helping to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce. By highlighting these positive trends, we hope to inspire and encourage women to continue pursuing their professional aspirations and break down the barriers that still exist in the workplace.Women's participation in the workforce has been steadily increasing over the past few decades.This means that more and more women are entering the workforce and actively seeking employment. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the workforce participation rate for women has been steadily increasing since the 1940s, and reached an all-time high of 57.1% in 2020. This increase in women's participation in the labor force can be attributed to several factors, such as changes in social norms, an increase in women's education and training, and the availability of more flexible work arrangements.Women are increasingly being promoted to management positions.This means that more and more women are moving into leadership roles within organizations and are being given more responsibility and authority. This trend can be attributed to a number of factors such as increased awareness of the importance of gender diversity in the workplace, changes in social norms that have made it more acceptable for women to hold leadership positions, and an increase in the number of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting the advancement of women in the workplace. Additionally, the push for more diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace has also played a vital role in getting more women in leadership positions.However, it's also important to note that despite this positive trend, women are still underrepresented in leadership positions. Women hold only a small percentage of CEO positions in S&P 500 companies, and in many industries, the percentage of women in top leadership positions is still very low.​Most companies are implementing policies to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace.Most companies that have implemented policies to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace have taken steps to address the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions and to create a more inclusive work environment for all employees. These policies can include things like:1.     Recruitment and hiring practices that focus on diversity and inclusion, such as targeted outreach to women and underrepresented groups.2.     Professional development and leadership programs that are designed to support the advancement of women and underrepresented groups.3.     Flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting and part-time work, to support the needs of women and other employees who may be balancing work and family responsibilities.4.     Paid parental leave for both men and women to support parents in balancing work and family responsibilities.5.     Diversity and inclusion training programs for employees to help create a more inclusive work environment. Women are increasingly being appointed to board positions.Women are increasingly being appointed to board positions in companies around the world. This trend is driven by a growing recognition of the benefits of diversity on corporate boards, as well as a growing body of research showing that companies with more diverse boards perform better financially. Some countries, such as Norway and France, have implemented quotas for women on boards in an effort to increase representation. Additionally, many organizations and initiatives have been created to promote the appointment of women to board positions, such as the 30% Club and the Women's Forum. Despite this progress, women are still underrepresented on boards and much work remains to be done to achieve gender parity.More women are working in senior roles in traditionally male-dominated industries such as finance and engineering.This trend is driven by a growing recognition of the benefits of diversity in the workplace, as well as a growing body of research showing that companies with more diverse leadership teams perform better financially. Additionally, many initiatives and programs have been created to support women in these industries, such as mentoring and sponsorship programs, as well as initiatives aimed at increasing the pipeline of women entering these fields. Despite this progress, women are still underrepresented in senior roles in these industries, and much work remains to be done to achieve gender parity. Some of the barriers that women face in these industries include unconscious bias, lack of role models and lack of flexibility in work schedule.Though there is still a long way to go before we achieve true gender equity, it seems like things are looking up for women at work globally. With organizations making DE&I a company-wide priority, more women taking up seats in leadership positions and more women entering and making it big in traditionally male-dominated industries, the future of work is looking bright!

Women have come a long way in the workforce, but there is still much work to be done to achieve gender equality. Luckily, there are many incredible women leading the charge and making a positive impact on the future of work for women. Here are a few examples of ladies who are changing the game:​Sheryl SandbergSheryl Sandberg is the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook and the author of the bestselling book "Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead." Through her work at Facebook and her advocacy for women in the workplace, Sandberg has become a leading voice in the conversation about gender equality. She has inspired countless women to pursue leadership roles and work to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces.​​Reshma SaujaniReshma Saujani is the founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, a nonprofit organization that works to close the gender gap in technology. Through her work, Saujani is helping to create a more diverse and representative tech industry, which will benefit women for years to come.​Arianna HuffingtonArianna Huffington is the founder and CEO of Thrive Global, a wellness and productivity company. Huffington is also the co-founder of The Huffington Post, which she sold to AOL in 2011. She is a vocal advocate for the importance of work-life balance and has worked to create more supportive and sustainable work environments for women.​​Ellen Pao Ellen Pao is a former CEO of Reddit and the co-founder of Project Include, an organization that works to increase diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Pao has been a vocal critic of Silicon Valley's lack of diversity and has advocated for the importance of equal representation in the workplace.​Sophia AmorusoSophia Amoruso is the founder of Girlboss, a media company that focuses on empowering and supporting women. She is also the author of the bestselling book "#GIRLBOSS," which encourages women to pursue their passions and take control of their careers. Amoruso is a strong advocate for women in the workplace and has worked to create more opportunities for women to succeed.These are just a few examples of the incredible women who are working to create a better future for women in the workplace. Their efforts are making a positive impact and helping to create more inclusive and equitable work environments for all.​

​The tech industry has long been plagued by issues of diversity and inclusion, particularly when it comes to the representation and treatment of women. Despite efforts to improve the situation in recent years, discrimination against women in tech remains a significant problem.One major issue is the lack of representation of women in leadership roles and technical positions. According to data from the National Center for Women & Information Technology, women make up just 26% of the tech workforce. This disparity is even more pronounced at the leadership level, with women holding just 11% of executive positions in tech companies.But representation is just one aspect of the problem – women in tech also face a number of other challenges and forms of discrimination. For example, research has shown that women in tech are often paid less than their male counterparts for performing the same job. In addition, women in tech are often subject to sexist comments and behaviors from colleagues and may face additional barriers when it comes to advancement and promotion.The impact of these issues can be significant. A lack of diversity in the tech industry can lead to a homogenous culture and a lack of innovation, as well as a less welcoming environment for underrepresented groups. Additionally, discrimination and bias can lead to high rates of turnover among women in tech, as they may feel unsupported or unwelcome in their workplaces.So, what can be done to address these issues and improve the situation for women in tech? Here are a few steps that companies and individuals can take:Increase representation and diversity at all levelsThis means not only hiring more women, but also promoting them to leadership roles and ensuring that they have the support and resources they need to succeed.Address pay disparities and ensure that women are paid fairly for their workThis can be done by conducting pay audits and implementing policies to address any discrepancies.Foster a culture of inclusion and respectThis includes training employees on diversity and inclusion, as well as taking steps to prevent and address instances of discrimination and harassment.Provide support and resources for women in techThis can include mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and professional development resources specifically geared towards women.Hold companies accountable for their diversity and inclusion efforts Consumers, investors, and employees can all play a role in holding companies accountable for their efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.Discrimination against women in tech is a complex and multifaceted problem, and addressing it will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders. By taking steps to increase representation, address pay disparities, foster a culture of inclusion, and provide support and resources for women, we can work towards a more equitable and inclusive tech industry for all.