The Women in Global Business (WIGB) program can be accessed directly at www.wigb.gov.au.
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.
WIGB provides information and resources, support and connection for Australian business women who want to export or are already engaging in international business.
We encourage you to register as a WIGB member to access member only benefits. Membership is free.
WIGB Mentoring is a unique mentoring program matching women business owners who needs support in internationalising their business with women who have a significant successful track record in exporting. There are two intakes per year. Read more about WIGB Mentoring
WIGB and the University of Melbourne are partnering on the first ever Australian research project exploring what motivates Australian businesswomen in international business. The findings and the first report of the five year longitudinal study Australia’s underestimated resource: Women doing business globally is available for download from the WIGB website.
If you are interested in networking with like-minded women, events are held throughout the year across the country and internationally. A list of events can be accessed. Every July WIGB holds the national flagship Speaker Series, a roadshow that travels to all capital cities bringing exceptional keynote and local case study speakers to each city.
WIGB Lore is a monthly newsletter bringing you important news about women in global business. Subscribe through the link on the right hand side of the WIGB home page. Past issues of WIGB Lore can be seen.
To contact WIGB email info@wigb.gov.au or to speak to a Trade Adviser contact Austrade on 13 28 78.
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.
