The Australian Institute of Company Directors has announced a partnership with the Federal Government to deliver a second round of its Board Diversity Scholarship program, which is aimed at increasing the representation of women on Australian boards.

 

The Program will award 70 scholarships to high performing women over the next two years across a range of industries, giving them the opportunity to attend the AICD’s Company Directors Course or Mastering the Boardroom program.

 

Assisted by $225,000 in funding from the Federal Government, matched by the AICD, scholar recipients will receive a 12 month membership of the Institute.

 

“The business case for a diverse board is irrefutable, with many studies showing that a diverse board equals better business outcomes. This program is a practical way to help achieve greater diversity on boards by providing talented women with the knowledge and skills they need to help further their directorships careers,” said John Colvin, Chief Executive and Managing Director, Australian Institute of Company Directors.

 

“Nearly 2000 women applied for this scholarship when the program was first announced in 2010 and we have seen some terrific achievements by our previous scholarship recipients,” said Mr Colvin.

 

According to real-time statistics compiled by the Australian Institute of Company Directors, women currently hold 14.3 per cent of directorships on the ASX 200, compared to 8.3 per cent in 2010.  Women now hold almost 20 per cent of directorships on ASX 50 and ASX 20 boards.

 

“While we continuously track the ASX 200 as an indicator of gender diversity, we are aware that increasing the representation of women on boards must extend well beyond our top-listed Australian companies and we must show continued commitment to keep seeing results,” said Mr Colvin.