The Women in Global Business program can be accessed directly at www.wigb.gov.au.

This program provides Information and resources, support and connection for Australian business women who want to export.

For more information email info@wigb.gov.au or to speak to a Trade Adviser contact Austrade on 13 28 78.

The Women in Global business program is an innovative joint initiative of the Australian, State and Territory governments to support Australian businesswomen to trade and invest internationally. The program was launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for Trade, the Hon Justine Elliot on 1 December 2010.

The main objective of the program is to increase female participation in international trade and investment delivering increased economic benefit and job creation through greater diversity.  In addition the program aims to:

• Bring together women involved in international trade and investment across Australia and its trading partners to help them develop sustainable business 
• Encourage, support and advance the involvement of women achieving international business success
• Increase the profile of Australian business women involved in international trade within the local and international business community.
• Connect Australian women to international networks to create business opportunities.

The foundation blocks associated with the delivery of the program include:

• Information and resources
• Support
• Advocacy
• Connection, and
• Communication.

The facts and figures

Despite more than one third of Australian small-to-medium-enterprises (SME’s) being controlled by women, in recent times the trend is showing that females are falling behind in their participation in export, representation in management and on boards in Australian businesses.

Some recent statistics which demonstrate this trend:

In 2009 only 9 per cent of female-operated SMEs export, which is down from 11 per cent in 2007 (Source: Sensis 2009)

SME’s that are predominantly operated by women have consistently exported at a lower rate than male operated SME’s exporting (Source: Sensis 2007)

In June 2010, 9.2% of ASX200 boards included women. This represents a marginal increase from previous years. (Source: Women on Boards)

45 per cent of companies in Australia have no female managers, whereas 85 per cent of US companies have at least one female executive manager (Source: Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency 2008 Census of Women in Leadership)

Research from McKinsey & Company in 2008 indicated that companies with the most gender diverse management teams have an average EBIT 48 per cent higher than the industry norm.

The data demonstrates a stronger need than ever to support women who engage in global business and encourage those who have the potential to step into the international business arena.