Tuesday, 25 February 2020
For the third consecutive year, the Australian Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has today publicly recognised Lion as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality. The WGEA citation recognises employers that are committed to achieving gender equality in the workplace.
Stuart Irvine, CEO, Lion Group, said: “In 2018-19, a record 141 organisations received the EOCGE citation, but this year that number has fallen to 119. Being one of the 119 organisations to have met the high standards and rigorous assessment process required to become an EOCGE holder is especially heartening as WGEA recently strengthened the eligibility criteria by placing even greater emphasis on accountability, outcomes, evidence and internal reporting processes.
“Appearing on this list sends a strong message to prospective employees, and society more broadly about the emphasis Lion places on gender equality in the workplace. It takes courage to challenge the status quo – and it takes courage to lead by example, but it is the right thing to do.
“Across Lion, we now have a female population of 40.2 per cent, which puts our 50:50 gender target for 2026 well within reach. We have always known that progress in this regard would take time, but it’s fantastic to see our strategies, such as making flexible work mainstream, and closing the gender pay gap – and conducting regular analyses to keep it closed, are yielding results.”
These initiatives are reflected across Lion’s Australasian operations, and in 2018 Lion New Zealand became a founding member of the YWCA Gender Tick, which reinforces a company’s commitment to gender equity and signals to applicants that Lion provides an inclusive and fair workplace for both men and women.
The WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation is designed to encourage, recognise and promote active commitment to achieving gender equality in Australian workplaces. It is a voluntary leading practice recognition program that is separate to compliance with the Workplace Gender Equality Act.
Stuart Irvine acts as one of WGEA’s Pay Equity ambassadors and is a signatory to the WGEA Pay Equity Pledge; to monitor talent management data and take action should a gender pay gap arise.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Elizabeth Bold – Media & Communications Manager, Lion Group
+61 421 765 446
ABOUT LION
Lion is a leading beverage and food company with a portfolio that includes many of our region’s favourite brands. The company operates historic breweries such as Tooheys and XXXX Castlemaine Perkins, and is a leader in craft brewing, with brands such as James Squire and Malt Shovel, Little Creatures, Kosciuszko, and Furphy. Lion is part of the Lion Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kirin Holdings.
www.linkedin.com/company/lion-co/
ABOUT THE WORKPLACE GENDER EQUALITY AGENCY (WGEA)
The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) is an Australian Government statutory agency created by the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012. The Agency is charged with promoting and improving gender equality in Australian workplaces. WGEA also works with employers to help them comply with the reporting requirements under the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012. WGEA is committed to promoting and contributing to understanding, acceptance and public debate of gender equality issues in the workplace.
The WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation is designed to encourage, recognise and promote active commitment to achieving gender equality in Australian workplaces.
